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AUTOBIOGRAPtiy '*' 



OP 



'H.Y . ■;: 



O. P. Alderman, 



FROM 



EARX.Y LIFE TO THE FIFTY-FIFTH YE/R Of 
HIS AQE, UP TO JANUARY 1, 1874. 



MERCHANTVILLE, N. Y. 






BUFFALO, N. Y.: 
Baker, Jones & Co., Peikters and Binders. 
1874. 



Ins UBftAEY 

r cowoaiii 

[WASHINGTON 



3X1343 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1874, by 

O. P. ALDEKMAN, 
in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Wasliington. 



PREFACE 



When a book is published, I believe it is 
customary for tlie author to write a preface, 
stating some of the reasons why the work comes 
to the gaze of a criticising public. I have only 
to say that when I made a profession of religion 
I felt that I could tell my friends how easily I 
was led into sin, in such a manner as would 
cause them to shun evil and cleave to that 
which is good. 

I have not been as successful as I could wish, 
but feel that I have done something in the 
cause of religion and truth. 

By the request of my friends who have ex- 
pressed an anxiety to read the work, and know- 
ing it must soon appear if they ever enjoy the 
privilege, and as I often feel that my work on 
earth may soon close. I have ventured to pub- 



iv PREFACE. 

lish to tlie world some of my best and some of 
my worst deeds, — also to tell some of my joys 
and sorrows. 

I do not expect the great and noble will be 
benefitted by this work, but humbly hope that j 
the young and careless may be led to shun the 
paths of sin, into which I was so easily led. I 
tell the scenes of my reckless days as they were, 
not as they ought to have been. In detailing 
those foolish acts, I hope I have not written in 
a manner to cause the reader to think that I 
glory that I have done thus. That all that read 
this work may be interested and profited thereby, 
and none think it an honor to excel in wicked- 
ness, is the humble wish of 

The Author. 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE- 
CHAPTER I. — Scenes of early life. — Religious impressions. — 
Sunday school. — Poetry on temperance. — Franklin Academy. 
— Gambling. — No ring in the bell. — Unfortunate hog g 

CHAP. II. — Poetry on the stage. — Writing composition. — Mil- 
ler found cards in a preacher's giist, — Whisky plenty. — Paid 
the last shilling for a bottle. — Uncle Joe's hotel. — Trouble 
about fifteen cents . 19 

CHAP. III. — Painted a sign without paint or brush. — Learned 
the painters' trade. — Became attached to a young lady. — 
Went peddling. — Sold Methodist disciplines. — Returned 
home. — Married 22 

CHAP. IV. — Gambled on the sly. — Studied law. — Grocery 
store. — Gambled openly on small scale. — Skunked by an 
old gambler. — Got him drunk and learned the art 41 

CHAP. V. — Peddled and gambled. — A pious gingerbread- 
peddler in a hard place. — Drinking frolic, things smashed 
up generally . . . . , 49 

CHAP. VI. — Smoking. — Deathly sickness. — Learned to use 
tobacco and counterfeit money. — Calvinism. — Universalism. 
— Serious reflections. — How the pies were stolen. 53 

CHAP. VII. — Traded horse and wagon for roulette.— Gambling. 
— Fiddle, Organ and Universalist meeting. — Associates die. — 
More serious reflections 67 

CHAP. VIII. — Continued gambling. — Was arrested at Addi- 
son. — Came off victorious. — Instructed a peddler how to sell 
goods. — Revengeful feelings 74 

CHAP. IX. — Visited by a Universalist minister. — A green 
gambler professed religion. — Orthodox minister. — Com- 
menced learning the baby to play cards 85 

CHAP. X. — Troubled by a protracted meeting. — Some friends 
converted. — Went up to fight them. — Was converted. — Duty 
to preach. — Death of daughter 95 



VI 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE. 

CHAP.- XI. — Commenced preaching. — Looked for a chance to 
run. — Darkness and gloom 127 

CHAP. XII, — Baptized. — Perplexed at covenant meeting. — 
Joined the Christians. — No pay for preaching 134 

CHAP. XIII.— Meeting at Howard.— Called a whiffet.— Deep 
snow — Eat mush and milk. — Good home at Benham's. — El- 
der Fleming. — Baptism. — Church organized 145 

CHAP. XIV.— Ordination.— Good time at Enfield.— Wheeler 
Hill. — C. D. Kinney. — Couldn't make brother Towner be- 
lieve he was a Christ-ian. — Big Creek. — Old Sermon 164 

CHAP. XV. — Revival at Big Creek. — Trouble with a sectari- 
an preacher. — Landlord converted 169 

CHAP. XVI. — Returned to Big Creek. — Church organized. — 
Baptism. — Exhortation by the waterside. — Preached at Sears- 
burg. — Turned summersault at Enfield. — Old Gray digging 
out by starlight 179 

CHAP. XVII. — Excitement in a sectarian neighborhood. — The 
old broken dishes all mended up. — A peculiar wedding fee. — 
Pleasant parting at Searsburg 187 

CHAP. XVIIL— The shingle school-house. — H. P. Clark,,— 
New Michigan. — Son sick. — Revival in Cameron. — Calls at 
brother Merchant's. — Moved to Thurston. — Conference at 
Springwater 197 

CHAP. XIX. — A long subscription. — Meeting house built. — A 
good revival in harvest time. — Slanderous report. — The slan- 
derer signed a libel 208 

CHAP. XX. — New meeting house at Cameron. — Conference 
there. — Glad to get to George Middaugh's. — Elder William 
D. Rutherford. — Church revived. — Conversion on a sick bed. 
— Death of two sisters. — One buried in the front yard 224 

CHAP. XXI. — Became an insurance agent. — Started a shoe 
shop. — No money made. — "Went into the mercantile business. 
— Trusted too much. — Lost money. — Continued to preach 
and insure. — A good convert. — Baptism. — Donation and wed- 
ding. — Elder Levi Stone 245 

CHAP. XXII. — Went to Pennsylvania as state agent for an 
insurance company. — Vendue. — Auditor General. — ^Visited 
Elder Rodenbaugh. — Elder Z. M. Ellis. — Peculiar carri3.ge. — 



CONTENTS. 



Vll 



PAGE. 

Good revival at Anthony. — Moved to Lewisburg. — Revival 
there — Meeting at Sulphur Springs. — A noisy meeting. — 
Business at the Capitol. — Elisha Ellis 261 

CHAP. XXIII. — Eat warm sugar. — Quick time from Cherry 
Creek to Ellington. — Greenbacks all over the platform — Grav- 
ity railroad. — Irish and Yankee.— ^-Preacher meeting on short 
notice at Franklindale. — Cost money to get out of the coal 
mine 282 



CHAP. XXIV. — Along sermon. — Long woods. — Death of 
Allen Shoaf. — Preached a funeral sermon on short notice. — 
Pic-nic. — Good time with a Methodist preacher. — Annual ad- 
dress. — Erie conference. — A model sunday school 303 

CHAP. XXV.- State fair at Harrisburg.— Ordination at Ross. 
-Wedding at Big Stream Point. — Oyster supper. — Visited my 
niece. — Insurance companies. — Death of Dell. — Death of Rho- 
da, our daughter-in-law. — Orphan children 331 

CHAP. XXVI, — The lonely room. — Correspondence with Elder 
Joseph Barney. — Ray's Hill conference. — Good time at Dea- 
con Foor's. — Interesting baptism. — Lady horseman. — Tedi- 
ous investigation. — Jas. Lamont and J. P. Topping ordained. 353 

CHAP. XXVII. — Death of son-in law. — Two days' meeting at 
Loyal Sock. — Sunderlinville. — C. B. Kilborn — High Tariff on 
the train. — Reflections about Elder Rutherford. — Conference 
at Madisonville. — Milegan's cove. — Waterford. — State Fair at 
Elmira. — Race at a pic-nic — A talkative fellow. — Revival at 
Madisonville. — Return from Starkey 369 

CHAP. XXVIII. — Good time in a snowstorm. —Merry Christ- 
mas. — Happy New Year. — Stormy time at Delanti. — Conven- 
tion at Sulphur Springs. — Moved back to Merchantville. — 
Revival at Dewittville. — Elder S. H. Morse. — Stormstayed. 
— Biblical school. — S. H. Carr. — A good meeting got up in a 
hurry.— Elder J. M. Field 384 

CHAP. XXIX.— Reception visit.— Arkwright and Springfield. 
— Fish story. — Baptism at Beaver. — Conference at Knoxville. 
— Black Walnut Farm. — Rays' Cave. — How christians are 
made. — Dream about the calf. — New Albany 393 

CHAP. XXX.— Conference at Springfield. — Riding after a 
frightened horse without lines. — Convention at Oshawa. — Sea 
sickness. — Revival at Castile. — Honeoye Falls. — Rush. — Re- 
vival at Madisonville. — Revival at Chapman; own. — Another 



vm 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE. 

visit to Canada. — Fell in the goose pond. — Meeting at Pine 
Orchard 409 

CHAP. XXXI.— Pine Orchard. — New clothes. — Good visit 
with Elder Hainer. — Quaker. — Lecture on temperance. — 
Forster temple — Hacking's Corners. — Return home. — Out of 
funds. — Fourth of July in Canada. — Death of Mrs. Kertin. — 
Baptism at Mussleman's Lake. — Old Fort. — Green River jubi- 
lee. — Surprise party. — How Earl Douglass scared me. — Home 
again 429 

CHAP. XXXIL— Worked for the State Association.— Mrs. A. 
made me a visit. — Revival at Naples. — Revival at Riker Hol- 
low. — A good ride with G. W. Walden. — Conference at Riker 
Hollow. — Strawberry pudding. — Preached at Slabtown. — 
Meeting at Lawrence. — Baptism. — Wellsboro. — Where there 
is a will there is a way. — E. R. Wade in Chautauqua Co. — 
Death of Miles Ames. — Extension society. — Protracted meet- 
ing at Machias. — New Year's visit. — Meeting at Charleston. — 
Elder Hornbaker. — Ross Lake. — The Conference. — New Jer- 
sey. — Tioga River. — Central. — Western. — Erie. — Ordination 
of Prof. Ingalsbe. — A big day's work. — Pic-nics. — Did not en- 
joy my lodging at a hotel. — Pleasant time at brother Marvin's. 
— Revivals at Ross and Lake 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY 



CHAPTEE I. 



In the early years of my life I was credibly informed 
that the place of my birth was in the town of Colebrook, 
Litchfield County, and State of Connecticut, — the land 
of steady habits, — noted for its yankee inventions, such 
as wooden nutmegs and basswood hams. The time of my 
, birth was the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year 
of our Lord, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Nine- 
teen. I have no recollection of gazing upon the land- 
scapes by which I was surrounded during the first two 
years of my life; neither have I any recollection of 
being interested, either in the works of nature or art. 

When about two years of age my parents moved to 
Prattsburgh, (then called Prattstown,) in Steuben 
County, State of New York. Here my first recollec- 
tions of life commence. The family then consisted of 
father and mother and six sons — ^myself the youngest 
of the number. My parents were by no means rich in 



10 



AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 



this world's goods, but were both professors of religion, 
— father a member of the Baptist church, and mother 
a Presbyterian. Among the earliest thoughts that 
revolved in my mind were those of a religious nature. 
I believed there was a God, a heaven and a hell. I 
was the subject of religious impressions from the earli- 
est period of my remembrance. I felt that I must die, 
and that happiness or misery would be my portion 
beyond the grave. I listened to the instruction afforded 
me on the subject of religion, and came to the conclu- 
sion that my condition beyond this life was fixed and 
ordained of God before the foundation of the world; 
that God had, by firm decree, fixed the fate of every 
man. I had no means of judging where my portion 
would be, but could hope that, as my parents were of 
the elect number, I might consider my chance as fair. 
At that time I did not know that there were more than 
two denominations in the world, viz : the Baptists and 
Presbyterians, — and I supposed that all the goodness 
in the world was contained in these two churches. Both 
being Calvinistic, how could I come to any other con- 
clusion than that Calvinism was true. 

I heard my parents talk of the Sunday school, which, 
I think, was a new enterprise among the people. I 
had the privilege of attending it, and well remember 
the beautiful little primer presented to me to take 
home and read, when I could return it and get another. 
One day on my return home I exhibited my beautiful 



0. p. ALDEKMAN. 11 

little book to my brothers and Uncle James, who was 
on a visit at our home, as they were standing in the 
door-yard near our residence. I noticed a smile on 
uncle's face, as he read a few sentences in my little 
book. This pleased me; but, as I turned to go into 
the house I noticed he made fun of it, which caused 
me to feel bad. I afterwards learned that uncle was 
an Infidel. A man by the name of Mahlon, who, I 
think, was a kind of general superintendent of Sunday 
schools, would frequently be in our school, asking 
questions and giving instruction. On one of his visits 
to our school he was speaking of a good man, and tel- 
ling tho advantages of being good and quoted as 
follows : ''And he shall be like a tree planted by the 
rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in season." 
He then asked why a tree would be more thrifty planted 
by the water-side than elsewhere. I thought the time 
had come for me to display my ability. I spoke out 
with trembling voice, and said, "Because it is wetter.'''' 
I noticed some of the pupils laughed. Mr. Mahlon said : 
'^ Yes, it is more moist and fertile." I was satisfied 
that my answer did not display any marked ability. 

In the district school I made fair proficiency — learned 
my lessons quite well. In this school we were taught 
the catechism, which did not at all shake my faith in 
the doctrines of Eternal Election and Eeprobation. 
On one occasion when questions were being asked, the 
one that fell to me was, "Who is your neighbor?" I 



12 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



answered, ''Old Judge Prentiss, and Mr. Hopkins' 
folks," (as tliey lived near us.) Some of the pupils 
laughed, and I supposed another blunder had been 
made. I was corrected by being informed that every- 
oody was our neighbor. I thought if this be true we 
have some rather tough neighbors. 

Sylvester, my oldest brother, was married before he 
left Connecticut. Afterward he moved near where we 
lived, and I wanted him to hire me to work for him, 
and we made a bargain. He was to pay me a penny a 
day, and I was to wheel stone off the yard. The work 
was laborious, and my wages never amounted to much. 

Milo, my next oldest brother, was married in Pratts- 
burgh, to Miss Polly Loomis, the daughter of a Presby- 
terian deacon. She was an excellent woman, pious and 
devoted. I went to live with them, and while there, re- 
ceived much good and pious instruction. One day when 
in my chamber, when perhaps not more than eight 
years old, I took up the Bible that was continually 
there, and read a portion of the Scripture, and knelt 
down and tried to pray; asking God to have mercy on 
me. I thought God heard my prayer, and I felt blest 
of Him. Sin seemed loathsome to me. I looked out of 
the window and saw some boys, my associates, sailing 
upon and playing about the old mill pond. I had no 
desire to be with them, but thought that I was happier 
than they. I told no one of my religious state of mind, 
neither did I continue to pray, and these serious reli- 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 13 

gious. feelings soon wore away to a good degree ; but I 
felt at times that God would truly be merciful to me 
if I would serve him. Sometimes I thought I would 
do so at some future day, and then again when I would 
be somewhat aroused to my condition, thought that I 
had nothing to do in this matter, that God had ar- 
ranged this according to his own will and pleasure. 

When about twelve years old my parents decided to 
pUce me in the high school of the village, known as the 
Franklin Academy. Here I entered upon my new 
studies with fair prospects before me. Just before 
entering the academy there arose quite an excitement 
on the temperance question, and there was organized 
w^hat was then called the ''Cold Water Society." The 
members of this new institution were pledged to drink 
nothing as a beverage stronger than cider, wine or 
beer. A man one day visited the school with one of 
his pledges, and got the privilege of passing through 
the school and taking the names of all those who would 
become members of the '' Cold Water Society." I knew 
there was much fun made of this institution, and did 
not want to be laughed at by older ones ; but when the 
man asked me if I would have my narne put down, I 
had not the courage to say no, and so I said, '' Yes, 
sir." This cold water society caused much talk through 
the neighborhood, some blaming one for this dreadful 
traffic in spirituous liquors, and some blaming others. 
After a little a Mr. Beach, who was a merchant and 



14 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



also owned a distillery, seemed to be tlie target for all 
to shoot at. I did not like this much, for I thought 
Mr. B. was as good as those who found so much 
fault with him. He had given me money for inform- 
ing him when it was a good time to catch fish. It was 
really laughable to see him spear the first sucker that 
he caught. If he had been going to split a rock he 
would not have struck with more force. While others 
were freely expressing their views^ I wrote the follow- 
ing lines : — 

ON WHOM WILL THE CURSE FALL ? 

The Christian who raises the powerful seed, 
And sells to his brother, has done a good deed; 
He is wanting of cash to purchase more lands, 
Or pay to his creditors their honest demands. 

Here's a brother who has joined the " Cold Spring Artillery," 
Yet sells the same grain to supply the distillery; 
He, likewise, wants cash to replenish his store, 
Or pay for the goods he had purchased before. 

I'll point to another who is loved, I may say, 
Who grinds the same grain, (for extra pay); 
He makes this excuse, — "I am somewhat involved, 
And to pay up my debts I now am resolved." 



And there's honest B., as good as the others, 

He has done nothing more than the rest of his brothers; 

He only distils, and sells to the civil. 

But they style him a murderer, a child of the Devil. 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 15 

Now, have not these dear brothers each lent a hand, 
To make this decoction that poisons our land, 
Which causes so many to die in a year, 
And all being pious, tJieir conscience is clear. 

No, it is not the farmer, the merchant nor miller. 
The buyer, the seller, nor the honest distiller, 
Who has done this vile deed — shed innocent blood — 
Who has murdered his neighbor and sinned against God. 

WHO IS IT THEN ? 

It's the man who has drunk when he needed it not, 

He has drunk to excess; — he is now a vile "sot; " 

He has poured down the poison which has pierced him within. 

And this is the man, sir, on whom falls the sin. 

The academy was under the auspices of tlie Presby- 
terians, with Prof. Gookins at the head of the school. 
Here I formed the acquaintance of wicked associates ; 
some were students in the school, but the majority 
were boys who lived in and about the village. I was 
soon swayed by their evil influence. Eestraint slowly 
decayed like a rotting rope, and I broke loose into sin. 
I soon learned to play at cards, which game proved 
quite bewitching to me. Instead of studying my books 
as I should have done, I spent much of my time study- 
ing mischief. I endeavored to get my lessons so that 
I could pass examination, and that was as far as my 
anxiety extended in this direction. I had lost sight of 
the great necessity of acquiring an education. I did 
not intend to become very wicked, but ere I was aware 



16 



AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 



I became a gambler. Cards had become a favorite 
game with me for diversion; but now something more 
was introduced, in a way that I did not know that we 
were playing for money until the game was somewhat 
advanced. This scene transpired in one of the students 
rooms in the institution, at a late hour in the evening, 
after the students had mostly retired, and all was quiet 
about the building. The game introduced I was not 
at all familiar with, and was called ''Bluff." It was led 
by a fellow who belonged at the hotel in the village. 
He was called the banker and distributed a quantity 
of checks among the company, giving each twenty-five. 
I soon learned the game, but still supposed it was being 
played only for amusement, until one of the party 
was out of checks. I noticed he gave the banker 
twenty-five cents, and then received checks again the 
same as before. Soon others did the same. A sHght 
tremor came over me. The instruction I had received 
in early life, and the promises I had broken, flashed 
across my mind when I realized I was seated at a 
gambling table. I never had intended to be a gambler, 
I shuddered for a moment at the thought, as I only 
intended a social game. My number of checks had 
largely increased, and, as long as I was so much ahead, 
I thought I would pursue the game, but quit in time 
to return the original checks which I had ignorantly 
borrowed. I was successful until the game closed at a 
late hour in tlie night, when the banker took the 



O. p. ALDEEMAN. 17 

cliecks, counted to himself twenty-five, tlien gave me 
one cent a piece for the remainder. This gave a new 
impetus to my folly. I became reckless and studied 
mischief more than before. 

The bell which swung to and fro in the belfry on the 
institution to tell the time of day, and to call the 
students from refreshment to labor, was turned up one 
cold night and nearly filled with water, which was soon 
frozen to ice. The bell rope was pulled in the morning 
but the usual response was not heard. It was soon 
ascertained that the bell would give no more alarm 
until there had been a thawing process. 

One day some swine had found their way into the 
school yard, and were devouring some corn which lay 
upon the grass beneath the window. One of them got 
a foot fast in a noose at the end of a rope let down from 
* a window in the second story, and was drawn up and 
suspended with his head just below the top of one of the 
windows, to be gazed at by the students in the recita- 
tion room, while the poor pig, (in his mother tongue), 
called lustily for help, which sounded to the stu- 
dents and others like the squealing of a large hog. The 
professor, with others, ran up the stairs, and through 
the hall to the door of the room in which the rope was 
fastened, but found it closely ^Hiled." When the door 
was opened the room was found vacated, and the rope 
which held the prisoner, made fast to a bedstead. Of 
course, the swine was soon liberated. Then the ques- 



18 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 



tion was, ''Who pulled up the hog?" As the guilty 
one was not to be found, suspicion, of course, rested 
upon those occupying the room; but, as they gave 
satisfactory evidence of their innocence, it still remained 
to be told who was engaged in this shameful act. 



ill 



CHAPTER IL 

About this time father moved from Prattsburgh to 
Tyrone, N. Y. I only had an opportunity to form a 
few acquaintances, before arrangements were made for 
me to return to Prattsburgh and spend another term 
at the academy. This was an evidence to me that my 
parents were satisfied with my progress there during 
the previous terms. I now boarded with my oldest 
brother who lived near the school. I am sorry to 
say that my habits had not much improved. During 
this term there were some few expelled from the school, 
but no charge was preferred against me. The professor 
seemed anxious that I should make better progress in 
my studies, and be better prepared for the different 
exercises required, but I would manage in some way 
to have the exercises move off in such a manner as not 
to receive much reproof. 

It was rather a trying time to me when I was noti- 
fied that public declamation would be required of me 
at a given time. To get up there on the public stage 
and "speak a piece,'* or repeat an oration was, I 
thought, too great a task for me to perform. It would 
embarrass me very much, and would require much 
time and labor to commit to memory a suitable selec- 
tion. I had at my command a few pieces of poetry, 



20 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



whicli were tliorou'gHy committed to memory, and aa 
the speaker had the privilege of making his own selec- 
tion,. I decided to use one of those pieces with y/hich I 
had been so long familiar. 

The afternoon for the exercise arrived, and the room 
was filled with students and spectators. The announce- 
ment was made that we were now to engage in decla- 
mation. I fairly trembled with hope and fear. As my 
name begins with the first letter of the alphabet^ the 
first name called was ^^Alderman." I arose from my 
seat with trembling — ^my heart arose to my throat, as 
I m^ade my way tc the stage, then up three steps, and 
I was upon the platform, when I began as best I could 
to recite the poem^ called the' "Plow-boy and the 
Dandy." I had retained this poem so lon^ in my 
mind that I only needed utterance to make a success 
of the performance. The spectators and students were 
soon in a laugh, although it was against the rules, but 
as the professor joined in the laugh no one was pun- 
ished for so doing. I was informed that my selection 
was rather unfortunate^ as it was quite too funny for 
the occasion. Of course, I tried to do better the next 
time. 

The time soon came when I was informed that it was 
m.y duty to write a composition and hand it in as soon 
as Wednesday,, that it might -be examined, corrected, 
and handed back to me in time for me to read it in 
public the next Saturday. I went to my room and 



O. P, ALDEEMAN. 21 

made an effort to write something that would pass. I 
thought that I could do better in poetry than in prose, 
but as I had so recently given poetry on the stage I 
supposed a poetical composition would hardly be al- 
lowed. I finally addressed an epistle to the professor, 
telling him what a kind and well qualified m.an I 
considered him to be, and how fully competent he was 
to perform successfully the arduous duties of his posi- 
tion; that I was highly pleased with his kindness to 
me, and that I appreciated the same; also, that he 
seemed fully to understand my anxiety to become a 
good scholar, and my inability to perform all the duties 
required at an institution like this, etc., etc. I handed 
this to the professor as I met him on the walk, at the 
same time making a low bow. It was never handed 
back to me, neither was I called upon to read it, or to 
write another. 

When I returned home to Tyrone, I visited the dis- 
trict school. Of course I was looked upon as one who 
had just come from a high school, and farther advanced 
than those who had not enjoyed such an opportunity. 
The school chose sides that afternoon 'Ho spell each 
other down." I was the first chosen, and felt quite 
competent for the position, as I remembered that the 
last time we went through the spelling-book I missed 
but one word, and that was in the monosyllables. The 
first word pronounced to me was " almanac." I spelled 
it according to Webster. The teacher said next. I 



22 



AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 



thought this quite strange, not knowing that Cobb had 
added the "k;" so I gained no laurelsr in this school, 
but really felt ashamed and perplexed to think, that 
after coming from a high school I should miss the first 
word pronounced to me, and especially on an occasion 
like the present, when I was gazed upon and wondered 
at by all that were present. 

Having closed my connection with the academy and 
returned home, I became somewhat attentive to the 
duties and labor assigned me. Father and three of my 
brothers were engaged in the wool carding and cloth 
dressing business. This business I liked very well, 
especially the carding, at which I became quite an 
adept. During the hurrying part of the season I made 
the carding room my home night and day, and was so 
much of a somnambulist that I often worked when 
asleep, and could do this quite well as long as the sack 
of wool lasted. When that was gone and the machine 
began to run empty the increased speed would awaken 
me, and at once I was ready for duty. When my tour 
was off I had nothing to do but to sleep, which was 
done on the wool in the room. Should a belt run off, or 
any part of the machine give way, I was the first at the 
gate. My brothers and myself often engaged in a game 
of cards. I had become so attached to the game that 
''High, Low, Jack" was running in my mind much of 
the time. It was some time before we could find others 
who would join with us in the game. There had 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 23 

recently been quite an extensive revival of religion in 
the vicinity of our new home, consequently card play- 
ers were not very numerous. We finally found some 
associates who joined with us in the game. Of course 
we had to conceal this from our parents, and sometimes 
had to turn some pretty short corners to do so. One 
day when we were enjoying our game, we heard some 
one coming up the stairs with hasty steps. What was 
done had to be done quickly. The cards were hastily 
gathered and thrown into an empty bag which was 
lying near by, and the bag thrown down in the corner 
of the room. By this time father was among our 
number, " but all was quiet along the borders." Father 
seemed in quite a hurry, and asked if we knew where 
there was an empty bag, and began to look for one. 
My brother, (feeling sure he would find it,) pointed to 
the corner of the room and said: "Father, there is 
something which looks to me like a bag lying there in 
the corner of the room." Father caught up the bag, 
rolled it under his arm, and away he went down stairs. 
We watched him, to learn what was to become of our 
picticres, which he had so unceremoniously carried 
away. We noticed that Elder Stone, the pastor of the 
Baptist church, was in waiting at the foot of the stairs. 
We watched the elder and the deacon as they journeyed 
together until they entered the barn where father kept 
his grain. AVe felt quite anxious in this matter, as it 
was impossible for us to tell what the result of this joke 



24 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



Avould be, neither could we decide at once in what way 
we had better prepare to meet it. Soon we were called 
to supper, — were all duly ready to surround the table 
except father. The question was, "where is he?" 
Mother was sure the church meeting was out, for she 
saw him and Elder Stone pass by going towards the 
machine. We brothers looked at each other rather 
strangely, hardly knowing what to say, or whether to 
say anything. Finally my brother next older than 
myself, (who was generally our spokesman), said, "there 
is something a little suspicious about this matter, and, 
perhaps the elder and father are over in the barn play- 
ing cards." Mother checked him at once for talking 
so foolishly, and so much at random, — ^she wished him 
to stop such nonsensical talk, and keep truth on his 
side. "Well," said he, "all I know about it is, father 
came over to the machine, got a pack of cards, then 
v,^ent with the elder over into the grain barn." The 
next we heard of our cards, the elder had taken them 
to mill. When the miller put the preachers bag of 
wheat into the hopper, the kings, queens, and their 
companions stared him in the face. "Well," thought the 
miller; "this is a strange grist to be brought by the 
parson." But as those pictures were not strangers to 
the miller, who loved to shuffle them himself, he thought 
it best to " separate the wheat from the tares," so he 
gathered them together and informed us, as we had for 
a long time furnished cards for our diversion, he wauld 
now furnish a deck. 



J 



■ i 

i 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 25 

One day, while at a general training held at Joseph 
Hause's Hotel, I crowded into a company surrounding 
a tp.ble, for the purpose of seeing what was going on 
there. I saw the table was covered with beautiful 
figures, and a negro throwing dice. Some were betting. 
They looked like clever fellows, and seemed to enjoy 
the game quite well. I watched the game and soon 
became so fascinated by seeing so many win money, I 
thought I would try my luck on the dice board. I 
had made only a few bets, and was just putting my 
money on the table again when some one pulled my 
arm. As I looked around I noticed one of my older 
brothers had hold of my arm. He was a professor of 
religion. Of course I immediately left the circle. 
"Why," said he, "what are you doing?" "Well," 
said I, "that is what I would like to know tot> ! " Said 
he, "If father knew this he would punish you, big as 
you are." "Why," said I, " that is a funny concern, 
any way. Don't you think it is ? I never saw such a 
thing before. What do they call it ? " I was informed 
that it was a " dice table," to win the money from 
those who were foolish enough to bet — that this darkey 
was delighted w^hen he could find white men who 
would patronize his table. Then I was advised to keep 
entirely out of such company. I had already some 
little experience in gambling, and was not quite as 
green as I professed to be. I would sometimes resolve 
that I would gamble no more, but these resolutions 



26 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



would only last until an opportunity presented, then 
I was ready on a small scale to ^^go in." 

I soon began to attend parties and balls, and soon 
became fond of dancing, which, like card-playing, was 
to me quite bewitching. 0, how many snares and 
temptations the young and inexperienced are exposed 
to, all promising pleasure but leading to sorrow. 

When quite young I had the privilege of drinking 
all the whiskey I wanted, as it was kept in the cellar 
by the barrel, for boys and common people to drink as 
much as they wished ; and when the preacher came 
then punch would be made. ^^If a man ever needed 
anything to brighten up his ideas, it was just before he 
went into the pulpit ; " — then after service, — " if a man 
ever needed anything to give nature a jog, it was im- 
mediately* after he came out of the pulpit;" — then 
another dish of punch. This was the accepted theory 
and practice in those days. Would it be strange to 
say, that of six sons raised at a whisky barrel, that 
one of them became a tipler ? Such was the fact with 
us, and this on a certain occasion well nigh brought me 
to grief, on a small scale. A friend and myself were 
at Prattsburgh, and were to return on foot to Tyrone, 
a distance of about sixteen miles. It was about seven 
miles to the Crooked Lake, two miles across the ferry, 
and then seven miles home. The Wayne Hotel was 
about two miles from the ferry on the Tyrone side. 
We walked down to the lake, enjoyed the ride across 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 27 

in a small boat, then climbed the hill to the hotel. At 
this point we met a party of four or five from Tyrone. 
This at first seemed fortunate for us, as we could now 
get a ride nearly home without much expense. I had 
only three shillings and my friend had none. As a 
matter of course it would be expected that we would 
''treat." The manner of doing this in those days, was 
for one of the company to buy a '' shilling bottle " and 
all share the same together. Supposing we were now 
to enjoy a ride to Tyrone village, which was within 
about two miles of our home, I at once without 
hesitation called on a "shilling bottle," which was 
drunk by the company. Then I was ready to start for 
home, but the party were not. They talked about 
running horses, trading horses, and other matters of 
like nature. Soon one of the number called on a 
"shilling bottle," which they could easily drink with- 
out me, as I wished to be excused. It was not long 
before my friend said to me, "Now let me have a shil- 
ling, as it is my turn to call on a bottle, and then we 
will go." It was with some reluctance that I did this, 
for it was very evident they were getting into a high 
glee. Time passed on, and here we remained until 
nearly night, when it was announced that just as soon 
as that young Alderman would call on another "shil- 
ling bottle" they would go, and not till then. I told 
them to get up the team and we would drink the last 
thing before starting, and as soon as we drank we 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



would be off. This was agreed to, the wagon was soon 
before the door, the bottle on the counter, which took 
my last shilling, then as soon as the contents of the 
bottle were swallowed, I exclaimed: "Hurrah for 
Tyrone ! Passengers all aboard ! " The party scrambled 
into the wagon and away we went, hallowing at every 
one we saw, and running past every team we overtook. 
I was in fear, as we were some of the time on one side 
of the road and then on the other. By and by we 
halted at a tavern about one-half mile from Tyrone 
village, called "Uncle Joe's Hotel." (This was the place 
where I played dice with the colored man.) Here my 
friend got out of the wagon, but would not go without 
help ; he was too drunk to do anything but lie down. 
Here came in my grief. We were more than two miles 
from home, and in a sad predicament. I had paid my 
last money for a "shilling bottle," and now came the 
tug of war. There seemed to be only one thing to be 
done, and that was to try my credit with "Uncle Joe." 
So I related to him in short the account of our journey 
and the situation we were in. I then asked him if he 
would lodge us that night, with the promise that I 
would pay him the first time I came down that way. 
He asked my name, and where I lived. I told him my 
name was Alderman, that I lived near Kendall Hollow. 
"What," said he, "Deacon Alderman's son?" I an- 



swered 



yes, 



much ashamed that a deacon's son was 



in such a condition; at the same time I thought per- 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 29 

haps it would be no detriment to his l^eeping us. He 
replied ''yes, it will all be right." I got my friend to 
bed as soon as I could; and in due time laid myself by 
his side. My dreams were neither pleasant nor inter- 
esting. At early dawn I awoke my friend, and told 
him it was time for us to begin our journey. As he 
aroused from his slumber he said his ''hair pulled," 
and that he could not go at all until he had some 
whisky, which cost three cents, then our lodging was 
six-pence each, making a bill of fifteen cents. We soon 
arrived home, pretending that we took an early start, 
and had walked from Prattsburgh that morning, which 
was so understood by the family. But there was that 
debt of "fifteen cents," and how could I get money to 
pay it ? That was more than I could tell, as I had no 
means of getting money. I could only wait patiently 
until something occurred by which I could obtain the 
money, which was a scarce article in those days. It 
was not long before there was a new grocery opened in 
Tyrone village, — -a cash grocery,— where things were 
sold very cheap for cash only. Mother had heard how 
good and cheap, tea, sugar and other articles were, at 
the new grocery, and persuaded father to make a small 
investment in that direction. He was a little slow to 
be persuaded, as he had no time to go down there and 
money was very scarce, — thought they might as well 
get those things at Kendall Hollow, which was much 
nearer, and he might have credit as long as he wanted. 



30 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



Mother's argument was, that by paying, they could get 
their trade enough better and cheaper to make up 
the difference, and Ohver could go down and get the 
articles needed just as well as not. "Yes," said I, at 
the same time thinking I would go down as far as 
Uncle Joe's, too, in case I could manage in some w^ay 
to obtain the "fifteen cents," which I felt sure I could 
by some means do. Father gave me a bill to get 
changed, also a list of the articles to purchase, and 
away I went to the ncAV grocery, made the purchase, 
and noticed as the change was handed to me, that I 
could get the "fifteen cents " very nicely. With a quick 
step I started for Uncle Joe's. I felt that this was not 
exactly right, but it was the best I could do under the 
circumstances. The debt was paid, and my heart felt 
light in that direction, but heavy when I realized hov\^ 
I got the money. The idea of deceiving my parents 
when they had so much confidence in me caused me 
sorrow of mind; then the uncertainty of my getting 
throua;h with this matter without beinf^ detected, also 
worried me. I realized that the way of the transgres- 
sor was hard, but was determined to go through with 
it, even if I had to quibble a little. Instead of giving 
the change to father I gave it to mother, in rather a 
careless way, suggesting that she had better put it 
away for future use. I was in hopes she would spend 
it before father called for it. All was quiet for a few 
days, then father asked me how much change I brought 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 31 

bcick from the new grocery. I told him I gave it to 
mother, and she would tell him all about it. Soon 
father was wide awake, — he was going down to " blow 
up " the new grocery man, — he would learn him not to 
cheat a boy, that he would ! The articles purchased 
had been carefully looked over, and the change was 
short fifteen cents. Well, I thought I would be content, 
and let the parties settle this matter themselves, in 
case they would not call upon me. The ghost of that 
fifteen cents haunted me day and night. I was all the 
time hoping that father would not go down to the new 
grocery until he got over his excitement, for I feared 
if he did he might follow me over to Uncle Joe's, and 
the whole matter be revealed, which would end up by 
my being presented with a 'Hanned jacket." I heard 
no more of this matter, but felt that the sin I had 
committed was hurrying me on in the road to perdition, 
still I trod ^^the giddy maze," striving to think that 
all was well, but have never forgotten the fifteen cents. 



CHAPTEE III. 

While attending the district school in early life, the 
teacher painted some nice pictures with water colored 
paints, and gave to the pupils as presents. I obtained 
a box of those paints and commenced painting vines, 
animals and birds, and was quite successful in my 
efforts. My specimens were examined and praised, and 
some said I would become an adept in the art, in case 
I could have proper opportunity and good instruction. 
There was an old gentleman who was a shoemaker, — 
his name was Aaron Swarthout,— rather a funny sort 
of a man, frequently called ^' Uncle Aaron." As he 
had no sign to mark his place of business, he wished 
me to paint one for him. I told him I would do the 
best I could for him under the circumstances, — that I 
had neither paint nor brushes, but would show him what 
sort of a sign could be made without paint or brush. I 
took for the board a piece of clear Avhite siding, then 
took some grease from the gudgeon of one of the large 
wheels which propelled the carding machine. It was 
as black as any paint could be, — perfectly black. I 
marked the letters Avith my pencil, then with my fin- 
gers and a small stick the grease was applied, much to 
my sal;isfaction. When the sign was finished many 
spoke in its praise, saying that it was a good job. It 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 6o 

read as follows: ''1 MAKE GOOD SHOES HEEE." 
This sign attracted the attention of many passing by, 
and did not long remain over his shop door. It was 
stolen in the_ darkness of night, carried about four 
miles, and placed upon another shoe shop. It was soon 
taken again and carried a few miles farther and put 
upon another shop; and thus it went from place to 
place. This advertised me as a iDainter, — doing good 
work without paint or brush. 

"When in my fifteenth year some men came from the 
East to engage in manufacturing chairs on quite a large 
scale; and an excellent painter was soon to come to 
ornament and finish the chairs for market. I was 
anxious to see him, also, to examine his work, and I 
soon had the privilege of doing so. I was much pleased 
with his work, and thought if I could be a painter I 
should enjoy it hugely. This best painter did not tarry 
long, but soon returned East. Then the painting was 
to be done by a man whose name was Samuel Wilder. 
I soon became quite intimately acquainted with him, 
and exhibited to him some specimens of the vines, birds 
and other paintings which I had done, with which he 
seemed much pleased. One day I asked him if he 
would like to take an apprentice, to which he replied : 
" If I could get a lad like yourself, I would like to do 
so, and would give him a good chance," I then asked 
him to talk with my father about the matter, and, if pos- 
sible, get his consent and make a bargain with him, as 



34 



AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 



I would like mucli to learn the trade. Soon father 
informed me that Mr. Wilder thought I would make 
a first class painter, and would like to take me as an 
apprentice, — would pay some wages and do well by 
me ; at the same time saying that he would not be able 
at the best, to give me much when I arrived at the age 
of twenty-one; — that perhaps it would be to my ad- 
vantage to learn the painters trade, but could hardly 
see how they could get along without me through the 
hurrying time of carding. I told father I should like 
much to live with Mr. Wilder and learn to be a pain- 
ter, and presumed the matter could be arranged so 
that I could be at home when I was needed there. I 
thought it would be nice to enjoy, occasionally, a vaca- 
tion from painting, and engage again in my old 
business that I loved so well, and once more stay day 
and night in the carding room, sleeping on the wool. 
Father said he thought Mr. W. a very nice man, and I 
might make just such a bargain with him as I thought 
best. The bargain was soon made. For three years' 
service I Avas to have my board and. clothes, and one 
hundred dollars when my time was out; and also to 
have three or four weeks each year for myself. I was 
much pleased with my new home. Mrs. Wilder Avas the 
first lady that I ever accompanied as a heau. She was 
much older than myself, I being but a little boy by 
her side; but she seemed to enjoy the association quite 
well. When I asked the privilege of accompanying 



* 0. p. ALDERMAN. 35 

her home, she replied: " Yes, with all my heart." She 
was nearly old enough to be my mother, but a lady of 
whom no one need be ashanned; so it was not like 
going to live with entire strangers. My boss was not 
much opposed to card playing or dancing, although I 
do not know that he did either himself. I gave close 
attention to my business, was quite steady, and enjoyed 
life well; but, alas! how changeable are the scenes of 
human life. I had not finished my first year at my 
new home, when the news came that the father of Mr. 
W., my boss, was dead, and it would be necessary for 
Samuel to return East, to take charge of the old 
homestead and settle up his father's business. This 
was not at all pleasing to me, as I would have liked 
to remain in my present home, that I had enjoyed 
so well. 

Mr. Wilder wished me to go East with him, but this 
I declined, as he did not expect to do much at painting 
there. Neither did I wish to leave my associates, for 
whom I had formed an attachment, especially a young 
lady whose name was Martha M. Conklin ; who I had 
thought was just about right, and with whom, when 
a few more years tad rolled away, I intended to talk 
with regard to her becoming my wife. Mr. Wilder and 
myself arranged for our separation, very agreeable to 
ourselves. He was kind and liberal with me, and gave 
me nearly as much as he was to at the close of the 
third year. An opportunity soon presented itself for 



36 



AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 



me to form a copartnership with a popular house pain- 
ter, a methodist man, whose name was Willis. I com- 
menced with him in the early part of summer and 
worked with him till fall. I continued to enjoy the 
company of my former associates. Miss Conklin and 
myself were the youngest couple of the number who 
attended parties, balls, and other places of amusement 
together. The matrimonial fever began to rage among 
our number and made nearly a clean sweep. The 
youngest couple alone was left to tell the story of the 
past, while in the state of single blessedness. Thus we 
were left nearly alone so far as our public associations 
were concerned, unless we joined in with those who 
were quite young, and not yet moving much in the 
circles of life ; but just coming, as it were,, on the stage 
of social life. This caused me to feel rather melancholy. 
Feeling that I was too young to marry, and with no 
surety that an effort in that direction would prove a 
success, I decided to leave the neighborhood, travel in 
strange lands, form new acquaintances, and enjoy my- 
self for a while in this way. I told my friends that I 
thought of going to Ohio to seek my fortune. I Avas 
impressed with the idea that I might* buy some goods 
and peddle along the road, and in this way pay miy 
expenses, and, perhaps, make a little money. I did not 
think that peddling, and e.specially on foot, was a very 
high calling, and would, by no means, have my 
friends suppose that I had any such idea; hence 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 37 

my future operations were concealed from my best 
friends, 

I took leave of my friends at Kendall Hollow, and 
went by steamboat to Geneva, wbere I bought a pair 
of tin trunks and goods to fill the same. As I was in- 
experienced in buying goods to sell again, I presume 
the parties of whom I purchased did not in all respects 
find me a very pleasant dealer. I had little or no con- 
fidence in what was told me with regard to purchasing, 
neither was I backward to inform them that I thought 
they would represent things as they thought would be 
to their interest, and put the most money in their 
pockets. I passed from one store to another, bantering 
difi'erent ones, and occasionally buying a few articles. 
There was one dealer by the name of Stagg who talked 
so candidly, and who seemed to manifest such a desire 
for my success, that I listened to him with some degree 
of confidence, while he related to me some incidents in 
his past life. He inquired which way I was going to 
travel, and when I informed him that I was going west, 
he said that on a certain road in that direction the 
inhabitants were mostly Methodist, and they would 
doubtless buy Disciplines if they were offered, and also 
hymn books ; that he had a large quantity of the former 
on hand and could sell them at a low figure, so that 
I could realize a large profit from the sales. I finished 
up my purchase with Mr. Stagg, putting in a good 
quantity of Disciplines, together with some hymn books. 



38 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



I bought me a pair of pocket pistols, not knowing 
what I might find to contend with, and thought best to 
prepare myself for any emergency. I packed my goods 
into my trunks, then hanging them on the neckyoke 
already placed upon my shoulders, I started for the 
West. I was in continual fear that I would meet some 
of my old acquaintance. This was one of the times in 
my life when I did not wish to see any one with whom 
I had been previously acquainted. I soon commenced 
stopping from house to house, offering my goods, — 
m^aking the Disciplines my leading article. The impres- 
sion made by Mr. Sta,gg was correct. The Disciplines 
sold very readily, as also did the hymn books, and 
doubtless helped me to sell other articles. I did, how- 
ever, occasionally find a person wdio did not wish to 
buy a Methodist Discipline, neither would he purchase 
anything of a man who carried them, and said, that all 
he wanted to know of a peddler, was that he carried 
Methodist Disciplines. The first night after I left Geneva 
I slept with my pistols under my pillow, but as nothing 
alarming occurred that night, I gave myself no farther 
uneasiness about being disturbed while sleeping, — think 
I never loaded my pistols again. 

After a few weeks my new business began to be 
tiresome. I had become "home sick," and decided that 
I would enjoy a vacation, and go home. I turned my 
course toward Old Steuben, determined to divest my- 
self of my peddling equipage before I came within the 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 39 

circle of my acquaintance. Accordingly I left my 
trunks and goods at a hotel on iiUen's Hill, in tlie 
town of Richmond, — a long way from liome. Tlie 
next morning I started on my way, and traveled all 
day without seeing any one with Avhom I was acquaint- 
ed. I found that I was not yet very near home. It 
would have been a pleasure to me now to have met 
with some old friend or acquaintance, as I had met 
none but strangers since I left home. Xight came on 
and I Avas yet a stranger in a strange land, far from 
my home. I put up at a private house. The next 
morning I pursued my journey onward, and before the 
settino; of the sun I found mvself amons: mv relatives 
and old acquaintances in Prattsburgh, then in a few 
days at my father's house in Tyrone. 

My friends greeted me on my arrival from ^' Ohio " 
with a seeming degree of satisfaction. I did not like 
to be questioned too closely about the beautiful plains 
of Ohio, for I was not well enough posted to make 
this subject very interesting. I could tell them it was 
a beautiful country, and I thought that was sufficient. 
I soon called on Miss Conklin, and found her the same 
pleasant and amiable lady that she was a few weeks 
before. It seemed to me that I could enjoy life in her 
society, and I determined to make her my companion 
for Kfe, in case such a co-partnership would be agree- 
able to her. After talkins; around and about the 
matter, my conviction was that I would be successful, 



40 AUTOBIOaEAPHY. 

SO I "Popped the question." After due consideration 
on her part, the answer was favorable ; accordingly on 
the twenty-fourth day of ISTovember, in the year of our 
Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty-six, 
we were married. 



CHAPTEE IV. 

At the time of our marriage my wife's father was 
keeping a hotel in the place, — Kendall Hollow. I 
made my home with the family through the winter, 
acting as bar- tender a portion of the time and making 
myself as useful as I could in my new relation. I 
would occasionally engage in gambling — on the sly, and 
on a small scale. In those days many were engaged in 
lawing, and as I frequently attended the law suits, I 
thought it would be a fine thing for me to be a lawyer, 
or at least a pettifogger. I obtained a few books, such 
as Edward's Treatise, Blackstone, etc., and turned my 
attention somewhat in the direction of the Law. I was 
soon called upon for counsel, and also to conduct suits. 

The following spring we commenced keeping house. 
I opened a small grocery store, which was tended the 
most of the time by Isaac, my wife's brother, who, I 
believe, was as honest and attentive a lad as ever lived. 
I found, by practice, that I had some tact for selling 
goods at auction, and w^ould occasionally have an auc- 
tion at my little store. I painted some, and traveled, 
and sold goods a portion of the time, — was so success- 
ful as an auctioneer that I had no trouble in getting 
business of that kind whenever I wished to engage in 
it. Could always draw my share of the crowd. 



42 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

The habit of gambling was continually growing upon 
me. At seasons of the year when there were trainings, 
shows and horse races, I would spend my time selling 
goods, or gambling, just as circumstances seemed to 
dictate. My gambling thus far was on a small scale, 
but I was, like wicked Cain, hurried on to greater 
crimes, until gambling was almost my constant em- 
ployment. I no longer tried to conceal the fact that I 
sometimes made small bets, and continually grew 
bolder in the practice until I played openly, both at 
home and abroad. I supposed that I could play the 
game of ^^ Old Sledge," about as sharp as any one. I 
was one day in my grocery, engaged in my favorite 
game with one of my associates whose name was May- 
nard. We were betting small cakes of sugar, worth 
five cents each. We both thought we could play the 
strong game, and were not afraid to try our skill with 
any one who felt disposed to engage with us. 

While we were enjoying our game at five cents a 
corner, an elderly and peculiar looking man entered 
the room. I paused a little from the game, giving him 
an opportunity to purchase goods in case he wished to 
do so, remarking to him, that as friends we were en- 
gaged in a game of '' Seven-up," for our diversion. He 
said, " all right, "—that he sometimes played that game 
himself, and as he was in no hurry, he would see us 
play a little while, if we had no objection. I then told 
him we were playing for the small wager of five cents, 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 43 

in the form of a cake of maple sugar, and that he 
could join in the game if he wished to do so. He said 
he would prefer to see us play a little before venturing 
anything himself. He watched us during a game or 
two, and then said that he commended us for stakina: 
only small sums, — that those who knew no more than 
we did, ought not to bet much, — that we were quite 
too green to play for large sums, and the less we staked 
the better it would be for us ; rather hinting that he 
could easily beat either, or both of us. I thought his 
remarks quite bold, as though he thought he could 
scare somebody. I told him at once, that he could 
have the opportunity of playing with either of us for 
one dollar on a side, — that I would bet a dollar that 
either of us could beat him, and that I would play with 
him, or Maynard might, just as he pleased. He said 
he would not be guilty of taking money from those 
who knew so little what a pack of cards were made for 
as we did. He was informed that he need not hesitate 
at all on that account; that we had the money, and it 
would not hurt me to lose a few dollars, and that the 
easier he could beat us, the easier he could get the 
money, and it was his privilege to " go in." He finally 
said that he was going on the hill to visit an old friend 
there, and to satisfy me in the matter, he would play 
with me for one-half pound of tea ; that he would like 
to take a little on the hill, as he could so easily obtain 
it. He looked at the teas, then said he thought the 



44 AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 

dollar tea was very good, and we would play a game, 
and if he beat me lie would take a -half pound of the 
tea, and if I beat him he would give me one dollar for 
the same. No quicker said than done. He took up 
the cards and looked them over, half shuffling them, 
saying : " Boys, these cards are not marked, are they ? " 
I told him I presumed he could see all the marks on 
them. After looking closely at them, both on the face 
and backs, he placed them on the counter and said : 
"We will now cut for deal." The first deal fell to me. 
I shuffled the cards slightly and placed them on the 
counter for him to cut them, which he did very calmly 
and genteelly. I dealt his portion to him, took mine 
and turned the trump, then waited his decision. He 
said his were good, very good ; yet he would ask me to 
give him one in the game, or run the cards for another 
trump. I raised my hand, — it abounded with trumps, 
so I gave him one on the game without hesitation, then, 
to my astonishment, he made, high, low and the game, 
the Jack was not out, so I made nothing. He made 
three, and the one I gave him made him four. It was 
now his deal. He shuffled the cards in rather a pecu- 
liar manner, making some flourishes, and then placed 
them on the counter. I cut them, and he dealt them 
off very carefully, as though he feared he might make 
some mistake, and turned up clubs for trump and 
waited my decision. My hand being mostly diamonds, 
I told the stranger I was under the necessity of asking 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 45 

one of him. ''Well/' said he, ''my hand is good, but 
I will run the pack for diamonds, and will turn up the 
Jack, which will make me five on the game, and then 
high and low will carry me out." I thought, nonsense, 
what is the old dunce talking about ? Only give me 
diamonds and I am all right. He dealt the cards very 
carefully, and, to my astonishment, turned up the Jack 
of diamonds. " Now," he says, " this counts me five 
toward the seven, and as I hold the ace and the deuce, 
I am sure of high and low, which will carry me out." 
And there I was, a "skunked man; " and it was done 
so quick that it made my head swim. I weighed the 
tea and gave it to him at once. I noticed Maynard 
was giving a token to not play with him any more. I 
did not much like to give it up in this way, neither 
did I feel exactly safe to play with him any more. He 
thanked me for the tea, saying : "If you was as much 
of a sportsman as old Sam Harpending, and had as 
much money, I would play with you more, but as it is, 
I guess I will be going." I told him not to hurry, — 
we would use him well while he stayed. Maynard re- 
marked that he thought Alderman and himself had 
better play their own games, and not venture much 
with such expert players as his honor. The old man 
smiled, and said that was his opinion too, — that he 
would leave us, advising us not to bet large sums with 
strangers, until we knew what a pack of cards were 
made for, — then, bidding us a kind good bye, he left. 



46 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

As lie witlidrew Maynard said^— " That old chap knows 
something that we never thought of." Said I to May- 
nard, "How is this? What is there about it? Was it 
just his luck, or did he cheat a little?" M. replied, 
" I watched closely, but could see nothing Vv^rong. He 
seemed to be fair in the play, but I'm satisfied that 
what he says is true, — that we are pretty green." 

We noticed that he went into the tavern. Said I to 
M., "Let us go over and see if he will not take a social 
glass. Maybe we can get him a little mellow, and 
learn something from him." , " I was thinking of that 
very thing," replied M. Thinking, perhaps, the stran- 
ger would take a drink and then go on his way, I told 
M. I would hasten over at once ; saying, " you happen 
over in a few minutes." When I entered the bar room, 
I judged from appearances that he had just taken a 
dram, and was about ready to start on his journey up 
the hill. I commenced conversation with him at once, 
and he seemed quite willing to talk for a little while, 
then said it was time for him to be a going. I remarked 
to him, that it was a hard hill to climb, that if he ever 
smiled, that is to say took a social glass, that it would 
be a pleasure to have him drink with me before he left. 
This proposal was readily accepted. Soon after we had 
taken our dram, M. stepped in, feeling very nice and 
pleasant, and commenced talking to the stranger in a 
manner which interested him. When the stranger 
spoke of going again, I remarked that perhaps it would 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 47 

be a pleasure to M. to offer us sometliing to drink be- 
fore we parted. In as mucli as be looked on wbile we 
played the game in wbicb I lost a half pound of tea, 
and the stranger won tbe same, that be could well 
afford to treat. Maynard said it would please bim 
much to bave us join witb bim in drinking a social 
glass. As we were about to enjoy tbis luxury, I re- 
marked to tbe stranger tbat tbis was good liquor, — 
that we did not often find as good, — that we did not 
know when we should meet again, and urged bim to 
drink hearty, but was careful not to drink much my- 
self. This stranger had doubtless taken a dram or two 
before he came into the grocery. He now became quite 
talkative, telling what wonderful things he had done, 
and what he was yet able to do, — tbat if he had the 
time to spare he would tell us something that we never 
thought of. We told him not to be in a hurry, that it 
would be cooler by and by, that we bad good horses 
and carriages, and would give him a ride up the bill in 
time to take supper with his friend; tbat it would be a 
satisfaction to us to help him on his way, and that if be 
would just step over to the grocery and enjoy a few 
nicknacks with us we would then see him safely on the 
hill. This was mutually agreed to. "We entered the 
grocery, and the articles we desired were on hand for 
us. The cards were taken and shuffled, he telling us 
what be could do. " I think you had great luck in 
beating me so easily, for," said I, "it was all luck and 



48 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 

chance." ''No luck about it," said he. "It is all in 
knowing how." " I would just like," said I, ''to know 
how you happened to beat me so quickly." " No hap- 
pen so about it," said he. " I could do that with you 
all day; why, I just came the 'whole stock' and the 
' half stock ' on you so nice that you didn't even dream 
what I was doing." " The whole stock and half stock," 
said I, " that must be something rather queer. I don't 
understand how a person can do that. Can you do it 
just when you please ? " He then began to tell us how 
it was done. We soon learned it. Then he told us how 
to prepare the cards to play other games, — said he, 
" Make stringers and strippers of them," — showing us 
at once how to do it. We were now satisfied that we 
had been green enough, not even knowing what cards 
were made for ; that now we were prepared to win all 
the money our sporting associates had; that it was 
with us no longer a game of chance, but "a sure thing." 
I now gave much of my time to gambling, and found it 
an easy matter to win money of those who were as 
green as I had previously been. I thought I could now 
travel, not as a gambler, but a peddler. 



CHAPTEE V. 



Soon I had a fair peddling wagon got up in tli© 
latest style, thinking I would sometimes sell goods for 
myself, and sometimes for others, but would spend the 
most of my time in gambling. I could go out with or 
without my peddling establishment, just as I pleased. 
When I wished to take a trip mostly to gamble or sell 
for others, I would travel with some other one, as there 
was no trouble in getting conveyed from one place to 
another. In the course of my travels I formed many 
acquaintances, mostly peddlers and gamblers, who 
expected all who joined them to do- as peddlers and 
gamblers do. There was one quite art aged man who 
sold gingerbread, I think his name was Bush. He was 
a very honest appearing fellow, doubtless a church 
member. I noticed him at different times, but did not 
get much acquainted with him. He was always scowl- 
ing when the gamblers were near him. Some called 
him the Deacon, and myself Dow. They gave me this 
name from the fact that some who had heard Lorenzo 
Dow preach, said that when I was selling goods at auc- 
tion I reminded them of Dow when he was preaching ; 
that there was a similarity in our voices and manners. 
Some really supposed my name was Dow, and never 
knew the difference. One evening when on our way 



50 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

from one training to another, some of tlie peddlers 
were pretty wide awake, and as soon as we liad stopped 
for tlie night and called for our suppers, I noticed the 
gingerbread peddler, whom we will now call Bush, was 
among the number. Well, thought I, my old friend, 
you are in a pretty tough place to-night, as it was evi- 
dent some of the company had set in for a ''bender." 
Liquor was freely drank, and all invited to partici- 
pate. Soon we were seated around the table to enjoy 
our suppers, and two of the company started around 
the table, (which was large enough to accommodate 
twenty-five or more persons), with decanters of liquor, 
giving notice that each one must drink, and if any 
refused they must have the bottle broken over their 
heads. I felt sorry for Bush, as I was certain he did 
not enjoy this way of doing business, and I had a re- 
gard for him, because I believed he was a good, honest 
man ; but there was no respect for name or profession 
in this company. All must drink or suffer the penalty. 
When they came to Bush, he begged to be excused, 
thanking them for their liberality, arid stating that he 
never indulged in drinking liquor, but all his entreaty 
was in vain. One of the two things must be done : he 
must drink or the decanter must be broken over his head. 
I think he finally sipped a little, just enough to save his 
head from the bottle. Poor man ! I inwardly felt much 
sympathy for him, but would by no means make any 
demonstration of that fact in this crowd. 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 51 

After supper the spree increased, and there was a 
prospect of things being smashed Mp generally. The 
landlord tried to prevail upon them to be more quiet, 
as he wished to keep a good house and use everybody 
well. Charley Acre, one of the peddlers, told him there 
was no use of talking; that he might just as well re- 
main quiet himself; that there was one chance for him, 
and only one; that was, to charge, and that would 
make it all right ; that the performance must go on, say- 
ing : " We have advertised to show, and we are going 
to do it." By this time the straw from the beds in the 
chambers was coming into the bar-room down through 
the crock now vacated by the removal of the stovepipe 
therefrom. As the straw descended in a copious shower, 
and was kicked and thrown about the room, I said to my 
particular friend " Sam," with whom I was traveling : 
"■ There is nothing interesting to me in such a parade 
as this, and I think we had better call for our rooms 
and retire, for the prospect of a 'high glee' is at hand." 
We called for our room, which was shown to us, and 
we were soon in bed, the door being securely bolted ; 
but not much chance for sleep, as the noise seemed 
continually to increase. The hall was soon filled 
with frantic fellows, who were calling for ' ' Dow! Where 
is Dow ? " '^ Hurrah ! Dow, come forth ! " There was 
a loud rap at the door, accompanied by a voice, saying : 
''Is Dow here ?" After they had paused a moment for an 
answer, — down came the door, and we were both jerked 



52 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



out of bed as though we were not of much importance. 
My watch flew across the room as though it was a 
footbalL The strawtick was emptied, the straw going 
through the crock in the floor, into the bar-room,which, 
by this time, was pretty well filled with straw. I told 
Sam I liked a high time, but this pleased me most too 
well; that we would take a quilt or two as soon as 
there was an opportunity,, and go into the barn^ pre- 
pare us a bed and take lodging for the remainder of 
the night. "We accordingly did so, and climbed to the 
top of the highest mow, and then worked our way 
over the height of h^iy, and there found a comfort- 
able place tO' make our bed and lodge. Soon there 
were voices heard in the barn calling for Dow, and 
diligent search was made in and about the building ; 
but Dow was not found. They climbed the ladder and 
came upon the mow,, but not over far enough to disturb 
us in our newly pitched tent; sa we enjoyed our couch 
till morning, when we made our appearance in time to 
pay our portion of the bill, which, by the way, was- no 
very small affair. Some who were ready to enjoy the 
glee and smash things, were also ready to- sneak out 
without paying any portion of the damage. The land- 
lard charged, as Charley told him to the evening be- 
fore. Although the bill seemed like a large amount, I 
presume he charged no more than he ought. All being 
settled we started on our journey toward Jasper Five 
Corners, as this was the day of General Muster there. 



CHAPTEE VI. 



I decided to take a seat, from this point to Jasper, 
beside a peddler of some importance, and one who 
smoked cigars quite freely. Although I felt that I was 
quite a smart, forward fellow, there were two matters 
yet for me to attain to, before I could be accomplished : 
one was to use tobacco, the other to deal in counterfeit 
money. As I felt the necessity of these things, and 
was now sitting by the side of a competent and almost 
constant smoker, I thought it would be well to take a 
lesson or two in this direction. 

I lit a cigar, put it in my mouth, then commenced 
drawing, puffing, blowing the smoke, and turning my 
head continually to watch the smoker at my side, that 
I might progress in this new art as fast as possible. I 
cannot say there was anything very delightful or deli- 
cious about it, but I supposed, of course, I would enjoy 
it better after a little, as there must be something 
pleasant about it, or so many smart men would not 
practice it. Occasionally I would take the cigar from 
my mouth, and with a peculiar, graceful movement of 
the hand and wrist, would hold it between my two 
front fingers as though it were some precious boon that 
should be highly honored; thus imitating this old 
smoker, who seemed to take so much comfort while 



54 AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 

puffing and blowing the curling smoke away. Thus I 
puffed, laughed, talked, and looked at the smoke as it 
rolled about my head, and tried to appeaj as though I 
was enjoying it much; but I could not go it, — must 
succumb, — was not smart enough for this; neither 
could I find any satisfaction in the process. My eyes 
began to roll, my head whirled, my stomach heaved, 
and a death-like sickness seized upon me. ! how sick 
I was. On our arrival at our destination I was unfit 
for any business, as I could neither sell goods at auc- 
tion nor turn up Jack. A solution of saleratus, also 
some peppermint, was prepared to settle my stomach. 
I drank some of it, then made my way down into the 
yard of a sawmill near by and lay down among the 
logs, there to enjoy my first degree in the sublime 
enjoyment produced by the use of tobacco. I was more 
moderate when I took the next degree — did not go 
in with such a rush, and found that I got along better. 
Soon I could show off to pretty good advantage as a 
smoker. I soon learned the art so well that I could 
manage a pipe or cigar with the grace of a good smoker. 
Oft-times it caused me to be sick, but all this must be 
endured for the sake of becoming a fashionable smoker. 
But I had not yet learned to chew the quid that an ox 
would not chew, that would sicken a dog, or kill a cat ; 
but I could smoke like a tar-kiln. It was evident that 
a man was not much unless he could chew the cud. 
How could a man be fit for all classes of society, unless 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 



55 



he could squirt tobacco juice from his moutli, upon 
wliatever might surround him — the seats in the cliurch^ 
(if he should happen to go there), or besmear the walls 
of his sleeping room, or cover the ladies' carpet with 
puddles of the narcotic poison. By perseverance I soon 
attained all these accomplishments, and could appear 
with both quid and cigar in my mouth at the same 
time. 

O, Tobacco ! how lovely thou art, — 

How good thou hast been to me; 
In all my tioubles thou hast taken a part, 

And caused me much shame and sorrow to see. 



It was an easy matter for me to get into the counter- 
feiting business, as professional counterfeiters always 
have their eyes on such chaps. The first I did in this 
direction was to buy some bogus half-dollars, which I 
passed quite freely for a while, and then became more 
cautious as I saw the danger to which I was exposing 
myself. Soon after the spurious money was purchased 
I went to Geneva to buy goods to replenish my grocery 
store, and took some five half-dollars of the bogus coin 
with me, passing one of them at a hotel at Kurd's 
Corners, about five miles from home, on my way to 
Big Strea^m Point, where I took the boat. Another 
was used at the Point before going on board the steam- 
boat, also, one on the boat to pay my fare. Three had 
gone ; taken without any hesitation, or questions being 
asked. Soon after my arrival in Geneva I offered one 



56 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OP 

of my fifty cent pieces. The fellow looked at it, then 
looked rather sharp at me. I felt that this one was not 
going off as nicety as the others had. The fellow asked 
me if I had any more like this. I told him I had plenty 
of specie, and could change him a five dollar bill if he 
wished me to. He said he would like to get a few of 
these fifty cent pieces, if I had them to spare. I was 
sure he knew it was bogus, and for my safety must 
appear as innocent as possible, and keep my other 
bogus half out of sight. I told him I had halves and 
quarters, and could give him about such change as he 
desired. I took special pains to exhibit my specie, (save 
the other bogus), also some small bills, assuring him 
I was ready and willing to change a bill for him, as I 
plainly saw he was determined to know whether I had 
any more spurious money or not. After looking over 
my specie and finding it all right, he said : '^ That half 
dollar is bogus, and you had better not offer it again, 
or you may get arrested. Our town has been filled 
with this kind of stuff. If you know where you got 
this, you had better take it back, otherwise you may 
get into trouble." I trembled in my boots, but don't 
think he noticed it. I now had only two of them, and 
I wished they were in the lake, — one of them at least. 
I then saw how easy it would have been for him to 
have taken that piece, and then followed me along un- 
til I passed the other, — think he thought I was honest, 
or perhaps he would have caught me in that way. 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 



57 



Great fear now came upon me, and tlioiiglits like the 
following, coursed through my mind : Suppose the 
landlord at Hurd's Corners, who knew me, had found 
that I passed a bogus piece on him, and had followed 
me to Big Stream Point, where I had used another; 
and then came on the boat, and thus followed me up ; 
or, waited till my return, and then arrested me. Sup- 
pose this landlord, or the boat captain, had happened 
in the store at the time I offered the one on which I 
was quizzed so closely. How easy it would have been 
to have had me confined within the walls of the state 
prison. It then seemed as though everybody was 
watching me, and I was sure to offer no more bogus, 
and felt a degree of guilt for what I had done. Fear 
now came upon me that on my return I might hear of 
those I passed on my way down, — thought I would put 
on a bold front, and if I heard anything from them I 
would arrange the matter in. some way, so that all 
parties concerned would be satisfied, unless two, or all 
of them should be waiting for me, then, of course, there 
would be trouble. On my return it seemed that the 
boat captain looked very sharp at me, but I knew he 
could find no bogus money about me now. "When we 
landed at Big Stream I went at once into the store 
where I had used the bogus half on my way down, and 
also into the hotel at Hurd's Corners, so that if there 
was any suspicion I would try and reconcile the mat- 
ter ; but I heard nothing from my bogus money, and 



58 AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 

returned home all safe, but still feeling a little fearful. 
I soon concealed the rest that I had on hand where I 
felt sure it would not be found. 

The next interview I had with the fellow who sold 
me the bogus halves, I informed him that it was quite 
risky to offer that class of specie, especially in our 
cities or large villages, as they had already been flooded 
with it, and some parties had been arrested for using 
such money. " Well," said he, ^' those halves have had 
a big run all through this country, and perhaps it will 
not be safe to use many more of them, but we are get- 
ting up some quarters now, and will soon have a large 
amount on hand. They will be something new. Noth- 
ing of the kind has ever been offered, and they will go 
like hot cakes, and we can soon shove off a large 
amount of them. We will let you into the trade in 
such a manner that you will run no risk. There will 
be no danger of being arrested ; and even if you should 
be, they cannot convict you. It is not the makers, nor 
leading dealers, who "play chequers" with their noses 
through the grates of the prison windows. We have 
the matter so arranged that there is little or no danger 
of being caught. It is the greenhorns that sometimes 
get into the boat and glide along very nicely for a 
little while, but soon become so careless and daring, 
that they get picked up by the sheriff, who conveys 
them to the court room, where' they hear the testimony 
which bears them down ; and then have the privilege 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 



59 



of liearing the judge talk wlien his conversation is 
directed particularly to them, and winds up his remarks 
by telling them they must go to prison for a given 
time. But we will put you in where you can act jour 
part in safety. The quarters which are soon to be 
coined, will be well executed, and will have a large run 
before there will be any noise or excitement about 
them, then there will be a new issue of ^^silk," (mean- 
ing counterfeit banknotes), and in case you wish to go 
in there is a large deal in store for you. 

I will tell you the secret of the matter. You will be 
on the alert for some one who wishes to engage in the 
counterfeit business. When you find such a one, (and 
there are plenty of them), you can tell him you have 
heard that some bogus dollars, or quarters^ or bank 
bills, just as the case may be, will be out in a few days, 
which will be right; and if he wants to make an in- 
vestment to be on hand at a given point, that you may 
introduce him to a gentleman who, you have reason to 
believe, will let him into the secret of the matter, and 
furnish him with all he wishes to purchase. At the 
same time ascertain about how large an investment he 
would like to make, in case he finds an article that 
pleases him. The fellow is on hand at the time and 
place named, and there receives an introduction to a 
stranger, who immediately invites him into his carriage 
to take a ride, and away they go. The new customer 
is quizzed with regard to the class of money he wishes 



60 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

to purcliase, and a sample of eacli is shown him. In case 
he has his genuine money with him, and is ready to 
close up a bargain, he is conveyed to an adjoining 
town, where he is introduced to another stranger who 
takes him in a hurried manner to another place, and 
there sells him the "stuff." The purchaser is now re- 
turned to the point where he was introduced to the 
first stranger, and there left to go on his way enjoying 
his new purchase. Now, in case he passes his new 
bought money freely and gets arrested, he alone must 
suifer the consequences, as he cannot turn state s evi- 
dence, nor in any way convict other parties. He knows 
not w^here his counterfeit money was made, neither can 
he tell of whom he purchased it. All he can possibly 
do is to swear that such a man referred him to a 
stranger, and he to another stranger, of whom he re- 
ceived the stuff which now causes him so much trouble. 
Or when a new customer is introduced to a stranger, 
who perceives that the new dealer is rather fearful and 
shrewd, and would not be likely to purchase a large 
amount of pewter or washed brass, but wishes only to 
make a small investment to try the trade, he is in- 
formed that the kind he wishes is not yet out, except 
in small quantities ; that it is a very nice imitation, so 
nicely executed that it will deceive the best of judges ; 
even the bankers themselves have pronounced it good ; 
at the same time handing him a few pieces, which he 
is informed are a correct sample of the large amount 



O. p. ALDEEMAN. 



61 



wliicli will soon be in market, and the man that bought 
the most would make the most money ; and if any one 
of their customers wished to purchase the whole amount 
made, he could have the privilege of doing so. The new 
customer is now instructed to use or test the sample 
given him, and report at such a time how much he 
would like to purchase ; then, if no one has decided to 
take the whole, he can have what he wishes. There is 
no danger of his getting into trouble with the samples, 
for they are genuine, often costing more than the real 
value of genuine money ; but the purchaser who buys 
only gets the imitation of the sample. New custom- 
ers, thus instructed, and finding their sample money 
will pass anywhere, are generally an hand with all the 
funds they can raise, or enough to purchase the whole 
amount in market ; and after he has been introduced 
to a number of strangers and conveyed from place to 
place, he finds the man who will lead him to the 
" golden stream, which is quick and violent," abounding 
with pewter, washed brass, or worthless rags. After 
it is ascertained how much money the new customer 
has, he is informed that if he had a few hundred dol- 
lars more, say about what his horses and carriage and 
watch are worth, that he could buy the whole amount of 
spurious coin, then have it all his own way, and soon 
make a fortune. Sometimes the bargain will be closed in 
this way, and the new customer finds himself minus all 
his money and other valuables, but rich in all the pewter 



62 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

or waslied brass that he can buy, worth from ten to 
fifteen dollars per hundred weight ; or large rolls of 
'^ silk," worth at least the common price paid for paper 
rags. 

One Slimmer, when I was engaged in painting, I 
was called upon to go to Penn Yan and sell some 
" Oswego Twos " that had been contracted by another 
party. I left my work and went. I was accompanied 
by an associate, who had arranged the matter with the 
purchaser, so that my part was easily accomplished, as 
I had only to sell to a man who was an entire stranger 
to me, who supposed I lived hundreds of miles from 
Penn Yan, when in fact the distance was less than thirty 
miles. We made a successful trip, and I returned the 
next day to where I had left my four men painting, so 
that I had a visible means of support, and could not on 
that account be called a disorderly person, or even be 
supposed to be such. It was only a few days before 
the newspapers gave notice that a new counterfeit 
" Two Dollar Bill "on Oswego Bank was in circula- 
tion, that Penn Yan was filled with them, and the peo- 
ple were every where cautioned with regard to these 
counterfeit bills. 

For a long time I endeavored to conceal my irregulari- 
ties from the people in the community where I lived, pro- 
fessing to be an honorable man, a painter by trade, and 
also engaged in running a grocery store ; and at some 
seasons of the year I would peddle some. Occasionally 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 



63 



I would attend diurch and seem somewhat religious, 
professing to believe Universalism with all my heart, 
when I would have given my best horse to know that 
it was true. I was a believer in Calvinism while pro- 
fessing to be a Universalist. I grew more and more 
reckless, and no longer tried to conceal the fact that I 
was a gambler. I went on in this direction for some 
length of time, gambling on quite a large scale, and 
occasionally doing something with counterfeit money ; 
but was rather shy in this trade, fearing I might get 
caught and have to suffer the penalty of the law. I 
never intended to become a drunkard, although I fre- 
quently drank liquor, — sometimes to be social, and 
sometimes to soothe my troubled conscience, especially 
when I retired for sleep, after spending the most of the 
night in gambling. The scenes of my childhood would 
sometimes rush upon my mind ; the past, present and 
future would all appear before me. I would think of 
that father whom I had so often heard call upon God 
in prayer, and ask for the blessing of Heaven to rest 
upon his family. T would then think of the advice of 
my mother, the affection of a true and loving wife, and 
it would sometimes seem that the very pains of Hell 
were rolling in my breast. I would try to believe that 
this mental anguish was the punishment for my sin, 
and would soon be over. In my wickedest days I had 
some regard for the pure, the good, and the holy ; and 
would try to believe that if people chose to gamble it 



64 AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 

was their own business. If they lost they ought not 
to complain ; and I would use about the same argu- 
ment with regard to using counterfeit money. I was 
not licentious, neither would I steal — that is to say for 
the profit of it — but would sometimes take small things 
of but little value, for the purpose of playing off a 
smart joke. 

A fellow by the name of Harford informed me that 
a lady who made it her home at his house was working 
for a family who lived near by ; and that the parents 
being absent, the daughters and son would not allow 
her to eat ^ny cake or pie ; that she had that day made 
five nice mince pies, and put them in the leanto ad- 
joining the house, and told Harford that she wished 
some one would steal them. She then told him just 
where she had put them, and all the difficulty there 
would be in taking them unnoticed was the terrible 
noise made by opening the door, which was hung on 
wooden hinges. If it was pushed instantly open it 
would not make much noise, but it would be impossible 
to open it slowly without arousing the whole family. 
Harford wished me to aid him in carrying off the pies, 
so that the maid who made them could have the 
privilege of helping to eat them at his own house. 
Thinking this would be a nice joke and not very sin- 
ful, I enlisted to help him. When the darkness of 
night was come we made our way around through the 
field and came up in rear of the house, gazed through 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 



65 



the window into the room, which was well lighted, 
where the family were sitting. Abram, the son, was 
reading ; the daughters, with the hired girl, were busy 
at work. The hired girl often glanced at the back 
door, as though she supposed that some one was near. 
The door opening from the room was some six or eight 
feet from the noisy door enclosing the pies. After 
taking a fair view of the family, and the location of 
the doors and windows, we stepped back a few rods 
and arranged our plan of action. I was to step to the 
door, take hold of the handle, and hold the door, while 
Harford passed through the noisy door and took the 
pies, and as soon as he came out I was to let loose and 
run. The ' night was dark ; we had selected our run- 
way, and had no fear of being overtaken in case there 
was courage enough in the family to follow us, which 
we much doubted. We did not suppose that Matilda 
would be much alarmed, nor had we any fear that she 
would hurt us. I stepped up carefully and took a firm 
hold of the door handle. I could at the same time 
look into the window, which gave me a full view of all 
in the room ; then gave Harford the token to proceed. 
Creak ! Creak !! went the door, as though it had been 
opened by electricity. The family were at once 
startled. One of the girls sung out : '^ Abe ! Abe ! ! 
there is a dog in the pantry ! I heard the door open ; 
run quick." Abram dropped his paper, jumped up, 
ran to the door and siezed hold of the latch ; but as 



66 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 

the handle was on the outside in a stronger hand than 
his, the effort to open the door was in vain. " By 
thunder," said he, " what does this mean ? " The girls 
were all excited, the hired one jumping and screaming 
as though she would go into fits. " 0, Abe," she ex- 
claimed, " don't, don't, go out there ; you'll get bit t 
0, dear, dear, what shall we do? " By this time the 
pies were out among the trees of the orchard, and 
xVbram had relaxed his hold and started for the front 
door. By the time he opened the front door, we were 
not near enough to have any fear of being hurt. T 
asked nothing for what I had done, but Harford in- 
sisted that I should take at least one of the pies. This 
I put away in an old tea chest sitting beneath the 
bar, without tasting it at all, and there it remained 
until it dried and mouldered, and was then thrown 
away. 



CHAPTER VII. 

Grambling seemed to predominate with me, and in 
process of time I traded my horse and wagon for a 
roulette and some other gambling apparatus, and made 
gambling almost my constant business ; sometimes rich 
and sometimes poor, sometimes sober and sometimes a 
little intoxicated. 

There was an arrangement made for a horse race on 
the ice of Crooked Lake, near Penn Yan. I intended 
to be on hand at those races with my gambling ap- 
paratus, and started from home for that purpose ; but 
before I got there I learned that the ice was not 
sufficiently strong, and the races were abandoned ; so 
that I could return home or spend my time elscAvhere. 

I fell in company with a man by the name of P , 

who kept a tavern two miles south of Wayne Hotel. 
He was a fellow who would gamble and use bad 
money, and pretty green at either. On this occasion 
he was full of game, and invited, me to go home with 
him and spend a few days, and if I could beat him 
playing " Old Sledge " I could carry away a pile of 
money. I knew that could be easily done, for I well 
knew his strength in this direction. He said he could 
take me home with him as well as not, but could not 
carry my trunk. I made arrangements with the stage 



68 AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 

driver to take my trunk to Wayne Hotel and leave it 
there subject to my order, and I went home with 

P . This was on Saturday. We engaged in our 

favorite game of '' Old Sledge/' and before the sun 
gilded the eastern horizon on Sunday morning, I had 
won his money, his pocket organ, and his fiddle. I 
gave him back a small portion of his money, so that 
he would not feel that I had entirely robbed him, 
and left him dead broke. 

After slumbering a little time, I arose from, my 
couch to behold the sun in his beauty as he sent forth 
his glory over the landscape. All nature was beauti- 
ful, but there was an unpleasant load resting upon my 
guilty conscience. How changed the scene from those 
Sunday mornings when I was the pride of a mother ''s 
heart and a father's joy, when in the innocence of 
childhood they gazed upon me as I went trudging 
along with quick step to the Sunday School, after the 
family had enjoyed their morning devotions. The 
scenes of later life also arose in my mind. I thought 
of those Sunday mornings when I held our little son 
upon my knee while my wife w^as preparing breakfast, 
and I could occasionally aid her in the performance of 
the domestic duties of the house. I realized that I had 
not in ether days been exactly right, but far less guilty 
than now. I could truly say that " the way of the 
transgressor is hard." I was now about six miles 
from home, by the way of Tyrone village, which was 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 



69 



four miles distant, and then two to my residence. 
While seeking to bring some comfort to my mind, the 
thought occurred to me that this was the day that Mr. 
Yv'isner, the Universahst minister, preached at the 
village ; and, if so, I would go that way and hear one 
of his good, argumentative sermons, which would 
doubtless relieve me of (at least) a portion of my bur- 
den, and I could go home with a lighter heart ; per- 
haps go on my way rejoicing. I asked Mr. P. if this 
was the day the Universalists had their meeting at 
Tyrone, and he replied (with an oath) that he knew 
not, neither did he care, for he never troubled himself 
about religious meetings of any kind, and thought that 
I would be a pretty subject to go to church. 

After breakfast I wrapped my fiddle in my handker- 
chief as well as I could to conceal it from those I might 
meet or fall in company with ; wound up my little 
organ, which was capable of playing a few beautiful 
tunes, and started on my way, enjoying the music of 
the innocent instrument as well as I could. Feeling 
anxious to hear Mr. Wisner explain the Bible in such 
a way that all men, '' especially myself," would be 
saved, and, at the same time, give the orthodox "fits," 
I hastened on my way with quick step, that I might 
be there in time. As I drew near the school-house 
where the meeting was to be held I was informed that 
this was the day, but that it was early yet, — ^not cer- 
tain that the preacher had yet arrived, and that Bro. 



70 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

, and Mr. , and Uncle .were over 



to the tavern, but would soon be back to meeting. I 
had intended to pass on to the tavern, which was only 
a few rods beyond the schoolhouse, before service, for 
the purpose of slaking my thirst and leaving my bag- 
gage. On entering the bar-room I was somewhat 
cheered by meeting a number of our citizens, who were 
also fond of hearing Mr. Wisner's demonstrations of 
Bible truth. After placing my musical instruments in 
the care of the landlord for safe keeping till after 
meeting, I was ready to take a dram with my friends, 
and then sit down and enjoy a little conversation with 
them on the topic of thq day ; and, as it was Sunday, 
and we were going to a religious meeting, there would 
be no harm in talking a little on the subject of re- 
ligion, and tell how foolish and inconsistent those peo- 
ple were who supposed that a great and good God 
would punish any of his creatures beyond the grave ; 
that all sensible men ought to know that we got all 
our punishment for sin in this world. There would 
now, probably, be time enough for us to take about 
two drinks before meeting, which would prepare us to 
receive and profit by the discourse we were soon to hear. 
When the time for meeting was fully up, we made 
our way over to the house of worship, Avhere we found 
a number in waiting. The minister had not yet ar- 
rived, and we joined with others in waiting for him; 
but as he did not come, we were all disappointed of the 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 71 

blessing we expected to receive. I went home with 
rather a heavy heart, although it did me some good to 
meet with those who were considered good citizens, 
who believed that all men would go to Heaven when 
they died. 

On my arrival home I wound up my organ and 
placed it on a tumbler on the table. The music was 
fine, but I thought others who were less guilty than 
myself enjoyed it better than I did. It was some time 
before my mind became easy. It seemed to me that 
my cup of iniquity was nearly full, yet I had not lost 
all regard for G-od and his goodness, or for my fellow- 
men. Whenever a death occurred among my relatives 
or friends it produced strong conviction in my mind. 
My imagination would follow them either to happiness 
or perdition, just as I thought their case to be. It was 
fearful to me to think that I might soon be called to 
die, and unprepared to meet my God. 

There were two of my associates living in Naples, 
N. Y., who were confirmed gamblers, also tiplers or 
drunkards. One of them was taken suddenly sick 
with a fever, and was for some time dangerously ill. 
I did not go to see him, but thought much about him, 
and hoped he would not die while he was so wicked 
before God. I heard that he had confessed that he 
was a great sinner, and finally obtained a hope in 
Christ, and felt that it would be well with him in case 
he should be called away by death. This was rather 



72 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

good news to me, and still I was afraid that this death- 
bed repentance was not just the thing after all. It 
seemed to me that men ought to prepare to meet God 
while in health and strength. He recovered from his 
sickness, and had the opportunity of doing as he had 
promised, — to serve God ; but as soon as he was well 
again he broke all the good promises he had made, and 
I suppose that he was more wicked than ever before. 
His name was Kelly. The other, whose name was 
Niles, died with delirium tremens. After a time Kelly 
was taken sick again, and again called upon God for 
mercy, but his prayers did not seem to avail, and he 
finally died as did the other, in the fearful pangs of 
delirium tremens. When I consider how they were 
taken and I was left, I feel to adopt the language of 
the poet : — 

God moves in a mysterious way, 

His wonders to perform ; 
He plants his footsteps in the sea, 

And rides upon the storm. 

I believe if my associates had turned from their 
wickedness and obeyed God, when they had time and 
opportunity, that it would have been well with them ; 
and had I continued in sin, my case would have been 
the same as theirs. 

I had ever believed that there was a God, and that 
the Bible contained His truth to the children of men ; 
and was often under deep conviction on account of my 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 



73 



sinful life. I clung to Universal ism ^ hoping it might 
prove to be true ; and yet I could not see how that 
and the Bible could both be true. What a specimen 
of human depravity I was ; and yet there was a heart 
in me that desired better things. Just think for a 
moment, — a man of a family, whose house was furnished 
with Wheels of Fortune, Eoulettes, Faro Banks, Dice 
Boards, and various packs of cards, prepared for dif- 
ferent games. It is true I had a Bible, but that was 
purchased with money won at gambling. Yes, one 
day after spending a little time at cards, I w^ent into 
the house and found there a colporteur with Bibles for 
sale ; or, in case the people were not able to purchase, 
he would give them one. I told him I was able to 
buy. I had just returned from a game of cards, and 
had won money enough to pay him for the book, and 
made the purchase, telling him I thought it a good 
investment. He gave me a ,slight reproof, and 
w^ent on. 



CHAPTEE VIII. 

I continued gambling when and where opportunity 
presented. Notwithstanding my wickedness, I had 
many friends who used me well, and would sometimes 
talk to me about following this low and unlawful call- 
ing. I told them it was all right ; if people chose to 
gamble they ought to have the privilege of doing so, 
and the law ought not to prevent them ; that it was 
really just as honorable as other pursuits in which peo- 
ple were engaged to make money. 

One General Training day, at the village of Addison, 
N. Y., I opened a game of dice, for the purpose of call- 
ing sporting men around me ; knowing that those who 
continued to bet on the dice figures would lose their 
money. Soon a brisk game was worked up, and I was 
moving the money to my side of the board, when some 
one tapped me on the shoulder saying : '' See here 
friend, I have a word to say to you." I stepped a lit- 
tle out of the crowd, and he said to me in a whisper : 
'^ There has been a complaint entered against you fel- 
lows, for disorderly conduct, and soon every gambler 
on the ground will be arrested. I tell you this as a 
stranger and a friend, and would advise you to close up 
and get out of sight as soon as possible," at the same 
time remarking, " I have seen you before and would 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 75 

like to show you some silk,'' (meaning counterfeit 
bills.) I closed my trunk and put it in a wagon wliere 
it would be safe, then tbougbt I would step on to a 
wagon and sell goods at auction for some of the peddlers 
that were near by, as almost any of them would employ 
me and pay me well for selling; but thinking that 
might be unsafe — that perhaps they would arrest me, 
knowing I had been gambling — I concluded I had bet- 
ter make myself a little scarce. I asked if there were 
any " Seven Up" players in the company who would 
like to step out one side and try his skill with a stran- 
ger, who knew just enough to lose his money and not 
whine about it. I found a customer at once, and we 
went into a grove near by, where we spent most of the 
day unnoticed by the authorities. I found my customer 
a very good one for me, as he had plenty of money and 
knew just enough about cards to lose it. Being fearful 
if I beat him too fast, that he would back out and give 
up the game before he lost much of his money, I baited 
him along till he was satisfied he was a full match for 
me, then luck seemed to turn in my favor, so that when 
we parted, he thought if we could play a little longer 
that luck would turn again in his favor, and he could 
win back some of the money he had lost. I thought he 
had lost about as much as he would without flaring up 
and making a fuss, so we closed the game in friend- 
ship, thinking we might meet again the next day. 
It was nearly night when I returned from the game 



76 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

with the stranger. I noticed the gaming tables were 
all removed, and the gamblers all missing — could not 
see one. Said I to my friend, '' Where are they all ?" 
He replied : ''Over the Eiver in the Justice's office, 
where you will soon be unless you get out of sight ; 
they have been looking for you all day." I told him 
to take good care of my trunk and other things, (which 
I was sure he would do,) and I would start on and wait 
for him after I got a little out of town, or else get a ride 
with some one else. I started with a quick step. I 
had to cross the bridge near where my fellow gamblers 
were resting themselves in the court room, and while 
making my way on as fast as I could, through hope and 
fear, a stranger put his hand upon my shoulder, say- 
ing : " You are my prisoner ; it is my duty to arrest 
you." I told him that was all right, that I believed in 
every man doing his duty. ''Yes," said he, "that is 
correct, and I presume those fellows up there will be 
glad to see you among their number ; perhaps you can 
get them clear." "Well," I replied, "what is going 
on? What does all this mean?" "Well," says he, 
" we will go up and see." I said, " I don't know how 
it will be with the rest, but I am sure they will not 
hold me long, and will be glad to let me go in peace ; 
yes, in short metre." I did not, seemingly, feel the least 
embarrassment whatever ; all I feared was the jail — 
money was no object with me just then. As we en- 
tered the room, there sat a number of sorrowful looking 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 77 

fellows awaiting their trial, or examination. Perhaps 
it was the first time some of them had ever gambled, as 
they looked as though they had just come from their 
mother's smile, and they would never smile again. 
Then there were others who were doubtless more har- 
dened in sin, and perhaps had ought to have been in 
jail long ago. I made myself as cheerful and bold as 
circumstances would allow, thinking I would ma.ke the 
best of the matter. ^ A fine, I cared nothing about ; but 
thought if the court should say go to jail, that I would 
a little rather be at home ; but was determined to show 
a bold front as long as I could. I was presented before 
the Justice of the Peace, (or rather the piece of a justice) 
who asked me my name. Bowing good naturedly, I 
told him I wished to be excused from giving any answer 
at present, as I was under an arrest, and my counsel 
had told me if I was arrested, to answer no questions 
until he was present, and I simply asked him to let this 
matter rest until I could get my lawyer here ; that as 
I understood the matter, all prisoners had the privilege 
of appearing with their counsel. He then asked me 
w^ho I wished for counsel. I told him Delazon Sunder- 
lin, Esq., of Barrington ; that I would have him on 
hand by the time they would wish to open the court 
the next morning ; that if they refused me this privi- 
lege, of course I should submit to their decisions ; feel- 
ing assured that I could have the privilege of a re- 
hearing. The Justice, Poor Master, and another fel- 



78 AUTOBIOOEAPHY OF 

low wlio I supposed to be the District Attorney, put 
tlieir heads together as though they were in thoughtful 
counsel. I really thought they appeared as though 
they were more afraid of me than I was of them. This 
gave me courage to be still more bold and undaunted. 
I told them I requested this matter to be put over un- 
til eight o'clock the next morning ; that I would pay 
the board bill for all the prisoners, and also pay all ex- 
tra charges that such an adjournment would make to 
their honors. I also stated that, '' these fellows who 
are under arrest are strangers to me, and whether they 
are guilty or not guilty I know not, neither do I know 
whether they are rich or poor, but in case they need 
means I intend to see that they have a fair trial. As 
for myself, I have no fears; if I have done an injury 
to any one, I am willing at once, to make the matter 
all right ; that if I should be falsely imprisoned I should 
expect to have full satisfaction ; that I was willing to 
sleep under the Sheriff's key, and presumed my asso- 
ciates were also ; all that I wanted or expected, was 
that justice should be done to both parties, and I was 
fully satisfied that such would be the case, sooner or 
later." 

I noticed there was some excitement prevailing with 
the Justice, the Complainant and the Attorney, while in 
consultation together. The Justice finally told me that 
it was my privilege to have counsel ; that there were 
good counselors in the place, and one competent lawyer 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 79 

in the room, and it was their opinion that with such 
counsel I should be content. I told them my lawyer 
was engaged by the year, and it would, therefore, cost 
me nothing to have him on this occasion ; that I was 
willing to satisfy the honorable gentlemen for all the 
indulgence granted me. 

About this time, some one whispered in my ear that 
the lawyer present would like to see me alone, and if I 
desired, the sheriff would conduct us to a private room. 
I accepted this proposal, and told the Justice I wished 
the privilege of counseling a few minutes with the law- 
yer who was present. We were shown to a private 
room, where I asked this counsel what the result of this 
matter would be. He replied that he did not think 
it would amount to much if properly managed. I told 
him I cared nothing for a fine, but did not like the idea 
of being sent to jail. He said there was no danger, 
that they were already scared, and he could close up 
the matter on short notice ; that there was a real de- 
ficiency in the warrant, which, when clearly pointed 
out to them, they would not dare hold us another min- 
ute ; that if they did, they would do it at their peril. 
I told him to "go in" and burst it up, and he should 
be remunerated for so doing. He said : "As soon as 
you are liberated you had better leave before they have 
time to get out another warrant." I thought his ad- 
vice was good, and told him to go ahead ; that I would 
not leave until all was right with him. We returned 



n 



80 AUTOBIOaRAPHY OF 

to tlie court room and lie informed the Justice that he 
now appeared as counsel for the prisoners, and should 
at once ask for their discharge ; that whether they 
wer3 guilty or not guilty, the warrant by which they 
were held was not legally executed, and he should in- 
sist that they be immediately discharged. He then 
pointed out the defect in the warrant, which he told 
them they could not fail to see, and the prisoners must 
be liberated, or they must proceed with the case. There 
was a paleness on the countenance of the Justice, and 
after whispering a little with his associates, with a 
trembling voice he said the prisoners now before him 
were discharged 

I then told my associates to put for home as fast as pos- 
sible, and not tell their mothers what had happened, and 
ever after this be good children. Some of them oflPered 
to pay a portion of the expense. I told them there 
was nothing for them to pay, that it was all right, go 
ahead, and after this to keep in good company, so that 
they would not again, like poor Tray, have to suffer 
for being found among gamblers. I then returned 
with the lawyer to the adjoining room, and asked for 
his bill. " Well," said he, ^'under the circumstances 
about five dollars," which was paid at once. I then 
stepped out through another door, into the street 
through the crowd who surrounded me. The street 
was filled with carriages, and among them I saw a ped- 
dler, wich whom I was not much acquainted, driving in 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 



81 



tlie right direction for me. I asked him if he could 
take a passenger. '' Yes/' said he, '' with all my heart; 
you are the fellow I want to carry." I talked with 
him about the musie of the day, and found him ignor- 
ant of what had been going on, and also a little green, 
so I thought I would not trouble him by relating the 
exciting scene I had just passed through. I asked him 
if the Woodfords were ahead or behind ; he said 
^' ahead." '^ Then," said I, '' hurry up your old nag, 
and let us overtake them, and enjoy supper with them 
and we will have a fine time ; then we'll call for ' Yal- 
ler legged chickens, butter on two plates, and sugar all 
over the floor.' " He asked if it would not be better to 
stop with some farmer ; that it would not cost as much 
as at a hotel, and then we would have a quiet place. 
'' 0," said I, '^peddlers ought always to patronize the 
hotels, get acquainted with the masses, and be a live 
man among them; that is the way to make money." 
^' I think," said he, ^' that you are one of the Wood- 
ford's auctioneers. Your name, I think, is Dow — Lor- 
enzo Dow." Said I : '^ Put on the junior, then you 
have the second edition in full, — that is what the peo- 
ple say; my parents don't know anything about it. 
He then said : ^^ If you are not permanently engaged to 
the Woodfords, I would like to hire you to sell for me 
a few days." ^' What," said I, "sell gingerbread at 
auction ? 0, yes, I will do that for ten dollars a day. 
Will sell one card with the privilege o-f the load ; per- 



qZ autobiogeaphy of 

haps we may get hold of some greenhorn and sell him 
the load, then we will fill up with something else and 
have a big time making money." " Why/' said he, "I 
am not a gingerbread peddler." "Was it not you that 
was hooting over a card of gingerbread, telling the peo- 
ple how sweet, how thick, and how good it was, and 
said it was made of very costly materials?" "No," 
said he, " that was not me. My leading article is fric- 
tion matches, then I have some other notions which I 
think you can sell to good advantage, but I did not ex- 
pect to pay an auctioneer ten dollars a day ; is not that 
pretty high ?" "0 yes, too steep for anything but 
sweet cake. I will sell your matches for less, or what 
will be still better, I will learn you to do it, then you 
can make money so fast that you will need help to count 
it. Now before you commence selling take about two 
good drinks of black-strap, get an expert lad to make 
change, then straighten yourself up on your wagon ; 
put your mouth on top of your head, and then com- 
mence halloing with all your might ; tell the people 
you ' have found one more box of those Loco Foco, 
Thunder and Lightning, Fire and Brimstone Matches, 
such as were never known before ; that they will strike 
fire at both ends and in the middle ; that they were 
manufactured by the white squaws, on the plains of the 
Rocky Mountains ; that this is their first trip through 
America, also that it is five hundred dollars fine and 
six months' imprisonment to burn a house or barn with 



O, P, ALDERMAN. 



83 



anything but these matclies ; that there is enough in 
this box to set the whole world on fire if you only be- 
gin at the right corner.' The people will come rush- 
ing around you, and, perhaps, will give you a dollar a 
box for those you ask only twenty-five cents for." 

We soon came to the hotel where the peddlers and 
others Jiad put up for the night, and were now about 
eight miles from Addison on our way to Jasper, the 
point for the next training. As soon as we arrived I 
joined with others in calling for such luxuries as we 
could afPord, — paid no more attention to the match ped- 
dler, but associated with those who were more conge- 
nial. The supper bell rang, and the table was soon 
surrounded by hungry fellows. I had eaten nothing 
since morning, and my appetite for the extra chickens 
was quite good. 

The scenes of the day had been rather exciting to me, 
so I indulged as freely as usual in the social glass, and 
was rejoicing at my good fortune in getting myself and 
others clear from fine or imprisonment after we had 
been arrested. I was enjoying quite a glee, when I 
saw the sheriff coming. I thought perhaps he was 
after me again, and, if so, I might not come ofi" so well 
next time. I was quite fearful just now, but decided 
that I would not run, but make the best I could of the 
matter. I met the sheriff before he entered the room 
and asked if he had another warrant for me. He re- 
plied, " No sir. I guess they decided to do nothing 



84 AUTOBIOGEAPHY. 

more about it." That " No sir" sounded good to me, 
for I supposed I would have to go back to Addison 
again ; but finding all was quiet in tha,t direction,, I asked 
the sheriff who the complainant was in the case of those 
disorderly persons. He said he presumed it was the 
Poor Master. I took his name, thinking it might be 
duty to do something for him at some future day. 

This was the first time in my life that I ever felt like 
doing any one a private injury. I felt revengeful to- 
ward this complainant,— thought he was a scamp, and 
ought to be punished in a way that would learn him to 
not arrest youn-g sportsmen,, until he had notified them 
that gambling was not allowed, then if the offenders 
would not withhold, let them be punished, but not for 
the sake of one-half the fine, pitch into those little fel- 
lows in such a brash way. But before it came in my 
way to do anything for him I embraced the religion of 
the Bible, and had no enmity in my heart. 



CHAPTER IX. 

After tlie trainings, horse races, and doings of this 
kind were passed for the year, I returned home to 
spend the winter with my family ; thought I could oc- 
casionally attend a shooting match, or something of 
that kind. As it was a time of some religious interest, 
I prepared myself as well as I could for any campaign 
that might be engaged in. I made an extra effort to 
believe Universalism ; visited my old friends of that 
order, and heard them talk. I borrowed and read 
their books. I read every author on that subject who 
came within my reach, such as Hosea Ballou, Adol- 
phus Skinner, Balfour, Murray, and others. I would 
often visit those who were well posted on the subject 
and get all the arguments I could in favor of the doc- 
trine. I tried to believe it, and at times it would seem 
to me to be all right ; then doubts would arise in my 
mind, and I could not satisfy myself that it would do 
to trust in Universalism. While professing to believe 
it when conversing with its enemies, I would, when 
conversing with its friends and advocates, express my 
doubts of its truth. A doctor, who was quite a noted 
man, was my principal adviser on the subject. He 
told me that I would not become a Universalist at 
once ; that it needed time and m.editation ; that they 



86 AUTOBIOaRAPHY OF 

did not make converts with a rush, as the Orthodox 
do. I finally became a strong advocate of the 
doctrine, helped to sustain its preachers, and invited 
them to our place to preach. An arrangement was 
made with the friends at Andrews Hollow to have Mr. 
Miles, who was preaching there regularly once a 
month, come over and spend a Sunday at our place 
(Kendell Hollow). The appointment was given out to 
be at the schoolhouse, as the trustees of the meeting- 
house refused to let such men occupy the pulpit. I 
supposed, of course, that Mr. Miles himself would be 
there, and would probably come over on Sunday morn- 
ing with the friends from the Andrews Settlement ; 
and as he was engaged there by the year, I did not 
suppose it was going to cost us anything extra to have 
him spend a Sunday with us. 

On Saturday in the afternoon some friends were at 
our house who were rather wide-awake, and we were 
making quite a noise, when a rap was heard at the 
door. I became as quiet as possible, and opened the 
door, when I was met by a large, portly man, who 
asked me if Mr. Alderman lived there. " That is my 
name," was the reply. "Well," said he, "my name 
is Ackley. I am a Universalist minister from G-eneva, 
and have come to fill some appointments which I un- 
derstand have been made for Brother Miles." He 
was welcomed and his horse cared for; then I was 
ready for religious conversation. I listened to all he 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 87 

had to say, and watched him closely to see if I could 
discover any real, vital piety about him. Before we 
retired the Bible was handed to him, with the request 
that he should read a chapter and pray with us, which 
was done without any seeming hesitation on his part. 
The same exercises were repeated in the morning. I 
asked his views on some of the parables and other por- 
tions of Scripture which I thought did not favor Uni- 
versalism. He said that all these seeming objections 
to the final happiness of all men could be swept away. 

Sunday morning was clear and beautiful. My 
anxiety for a good attendance of the right kind of peo- 
ple was great. Soon the people began to come to- 
gether for morning service, and soon a company made 
their appearance composed of " rag, shag and bobtail," 
with Billy I. Coon (a man of low and reckless habits,) 
■at their head. This grieved me, as they were not ex- 
actly the class that I wished for, and yet they had the 
appearance of those who were '' coming up through 
tribulation and sorrow." Soon, however, there were 
others coming in their carriages from Tyrone Village 
and Wayne, who were people of rank and standing ; 
and then came the friends from Beading and Andrews 
Settlement. 

This array of carriages and persons was splendid, 
and I then thought that I was surrounded by friends 
of whom no one need be ashamed. I was soon in- 
formed that this preacher had not come merely -to fill 



88 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

Mr. Miles' appointment, as we had expected, but was 
on liis own expense, and it would be our duty to pay 
liim. It was proposed that a collection be taken for 
that purpose ; and as I was young in this cause, I told 
my older friends that they might excuse me from tak- 
ing any active part in this matter, and arrange it as 
they thought proper. The collection was taken, but I 
was quiet in the matter. 

The preacher made some very good remarks in his 
discourse, some rather happy points and turns, and 
some peculiar applications; but it all failed to fully 
satisfy me that Universalism was true. Before the 
preacher left he informed me that he had not received 
as much as he really ought to have ; but notwithstand- 
ing, whenever we wished him to come again, and could 
raise the same amount that he had now received, and 
give him timely notice, he would visit us again ; then 
taking his leave, left me to ponder upon what had been 
said and done. A few weeks later, I was in Geneva on 
business. There was a circus there that day, and I 
noticed among the people who were assembling to wit- 
ness the exhibition, our old friend Mr. Ackley, who 
seemed to be as merry and as much interested in the 
doings of the day as others who were strolling about, 
prior to the opening of the exhibition. I really 
thought that was not a proper place for a minister of 
the gospel, and passed by without stopping to tell him 
that one of his brethren from Steuben County was 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 



89 



tliere. This circumstance did not at all strengthen 
my faith in the doctrine I was advocating. 

Afterwards, when I met my special friend, the doctor, 
I remarked to him that I had tried hard to become a 
true convert to Universalism ; but must confess that I 
did not make much proficiency ; that when compared 
with those passages of Scripture which had been 
selected by their leaders, it looked quite reasonable ; 
but when compared with the Bible taken as a whole, I 
could not reconcile it to my own satisfaction. He re- 
marked : '^ You read the Bible too much ; you ought 
to read that less, and other books more, and exercise 
your own judgment by meditating upon the subject." 

I thought as my fate, with all others, was fixed, that 
I would still advocate my favorite doctrine. Some- 
times, when in warm discussion, presenting arguments 
that could not be gainsay ed by my opponent, I would 
almost feel that it really was correct ; then when alone 
in meditation, I felt my arguments were plausible, but 
not sound. I courted controversy with all who wished 
to talk upon the subject. 

A cousin of mine from the East was at our place on 
a visit. He was a ready talker, and I often felt that 
I would like to draw him out on the subject of religion. 
I knew well enough that he was not a professor, but 
was anxious to know what peculiarities he might have 
in this direction. One day 1 presented some of my 
strong points in favor of Universalism. He laughed at 



90 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

me, and said that he had something better ; that this 
religion was all " bosh." I found him to be an infidel 
of the Tom Payne school, and well posted. He said 
I might name any paragraph I pleased in the Bible, 
containing a statement, and he would find something 
on the next page to prove it false. I listened to his 
arguments and ideas against the Bible, and found that 
he was a match for almost any one who would oppose 
him in argument. There was not difierence enough 
in our theories to make us enemies, or for us to quarrel 
about ; therefore we were hale fellows, well met, and 
were able to compete with the pious and godly in all 
the arguments they could present. If I could not 
whip my antagonist with Universalism, he would open 
his batteries of infidelity upon him, and vice versa, if 
he could not succeed in affirming that the Bible was 
false and contradictory, I would acknowledge its truth- 
fulness, and try to show that it taught the salvation 
of all men. 

In the midst of our glory there was a revival of re- 
ligion in our place. The three denominations there. 
Baptist, Presbyterian, and Methadist, all joined in a 
union effort for the salvation of souls. I paid but 
little attention to the meeting, but braced myself 
against its influences, defending myself, of course, when 
I was interrogated upon the subject. I played cards 
one afternoon with Mr. Harford (the man who stole 
the pies) when we were so near the church that we 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 91 

could hear the congregation sing and talk, while they 
were exhorting one another, and warning sinners to flee 
from the wrath to come. I soon won Harford's money 
and his jack-knife ; then lent him money and won that, 
till I was satisfied that he owed me more than he would 
ever pay. 

He seemed rather sad about his afternoon's work, 
and told me to keep his cards until he paid me. As 
we parted, he said : "I am going to meeting to-night 
and get religion." ^' All right," I replied, ''remem- 
ber me in your prayers," supposing it was all a joke. 
The next morning I heard that Harford got religion — 
come out all clear and bright. This produced a rather 
peculiar sensation upon my mind, as I expected every 
minute that he would be down to preach to me, and, 
under the circumstances, I was not anxious to see him ; 
but instead of his coming where I was, I noticed that 
he rather shunned me. This gave me reasons to think 
that his piety was not very deep. 

About this time my wife was taken ill, by some sup- 
posed to be dangerously ill. I did not think that she 
would die, yet I felt a little uneasy about it. One day 
one of the ministers called on us, in company with Mr. 
H., who still owed me, and whose cards I yet re- 
tained. This was the first opportunity I had had of 
speaking with him since he had become pious, and I 
thought there was more hypocrisy than piety about 
him. The minister talked very pleasantly for a few 



92 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

minutes, then asked if there would be any objection to 
his talking with Mrs. A. I assured him there would 
be none on my part in case he would say nothing to 
excite her, as the physician had directed that she 
should be kept as quiet as possible. The minister said 
that he only wished to speak a few words with her, as 
he did not think that she ought, at present, to talk 
much or get excited on any subject. He spoke a few 
words with her in a kind and social way. I began to 
like him pretty well, but had no more idea of embrac- 
ing religion than I had of going to Joppa. He asked 
if I would have any objection to his praying with us. 
I replied not any. He then asked me if I would kneel 
down while he prayed. '' Yes," was my reply, " if 
that will be any accommodation to you." I presume I 
should have knelt if he had said nothing about it. 

After he closed his prayer, he asked me to pray. I 
told him that was out of my line of business, and I 
should do no such thing. Said he : ^' Say our Father 
Who art in Heaven." I arose from my knees feeling 
that he was pressing the matter quite too far accord- 
ing to my notion of the way to serve God, and told 
him if he wanted any more praying done to set Har- 
ford at it. H. refused to pray, and thus this scene 
ended, and the visitors left. I noticed the preacher 
went across the way to where my father was, and had 
some conversation with him. By-and-bye father came 
in smiling, and said he had heard some good news. 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 



93 



'' That is good. What is the news, fatlier ? " "Why/ 
said he, ''I have been told that you and Martha are* 
going to engage in the service of the Lord, and be good 
Christians." "Who told yon that? Did that minis- 
ter who called on ns tell you ? " The answer was that 
he did. This made me mad. I told father I had made 
no such promise ; that I used the preacher as well as I 
knew hoW; and if this was their style, to go away and 
lie about a fellow, I did not want them to call on me 
very often. I had, seemingly, all sorts of feelings 
towards that man but pleasant ones. A few days later, 
as I sat reading the Bible, this same minister opened 
the door a little way, as if he was about to enter. With 
a broad grin upon his face, he says : " You are read- 
ing a good book." I remarked : " Truly ! " He then 
esclaimed : "I feel that the Spirit of the Lord is 
here ! " This remark stirred my feelings, and my 
reply was perhaps too rash and hasty. I told him " if 
the Spirit of the Lord is here, all right ; but I don't 
want you here." He asked if I meant that. I told 
him, " Yes, sir," and he quietly withdrew. I have 
never been able to really satisfy my mind why a man 
professing so much goodness should conduct himself in 
this way. It only strengthened me in my skepticism, 
and furnished an argument against the vai dity of 
professed Christianity. 

Thus scenes moved along about as noted above for a 
year or two. During the time I bought a small house 



^4 AUTOBIOGEAPHY. 

and lot adjoining the one where my wife's parents 
lived, of which I had owned a share. We were now 
in our new little home, with our little son, who was 
about two years old. The little fellow had some idea 
of cards, for not much else had been brought before his 
mind, and I was learning him to play as fast as his in- 
fant mind could comprehend the matter. 




TAKEN AT THE AQE OF 24 YEAR3. 



CHAPTEE X. 



During the winter of 1842 there was another effort 
made by the religious people of the place, for a grand 
revival of religion ; and the prospect seemed fair for a 
great work in that direction. A man called Crazy 
Adams, a great revivalist, had recently held a series of 
meetings at Tyrone Village, where many had made a 
profession of religion ; and some rather strong and in- 
fluential men, living in and near our place, had been 
down to the meeting and come out pious, who were now 
ready to give their testimony in favor of Christianity, 
and against the way they had been living, and in which 
I was still living. I revisited my Universalist friends 
to get all the new arguments I could ; also re-read their 
books in my possession, to prepare myself for the cam- 
paign. I heard that one evening, in my absence, my 
Yv^ife went forward in the meeting. I did not mention 
it to her, but used my influence to keep her away, that 
her head might become settled and level. Father 
Conklin had purchased and moved on to a farm, about 
one and a half miles from our little town. My infidel 
cousin was with us again, but now spent the most of his 
time with my brother next older than myself, who lived 
one mile from us, on the road to Tyrone Village. As 
for him, he never said much for or against religion. 



96 AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 

(Allow me here to say that, years afterward, my cousin 
professed religion, and joined the Baptist Church some- 
where in the western part of the State.) I attended 
the meeting often ; was as bold as a lion, and 8.s saucy 
as a rattlesnake ; was in for argument with the best of 
them, and, in fact, think I become rather a nuisance, as 
they did not seem anxious to say much to me, but 
rather passed me by with contempt, as though I was 
'^joined to my idols," and they would ^^let me alone." 
The revival continued to spread all through our region 
of country. I braced myself up the best I could, pre- 
paring myself for any emergency. Thought perhaps the 
minister would call on us, to look more especially after 
my wife, for I concluded by this time they would have 
no hopes of her without making farther effort, and I de- 
cided in my own mind if they came I would use them 
well, but if they stayed long, would tell them I had to 
work for a living, and would give them an invitation to 
cut a little wood from some hard and knotty logs ; but 
they did not call on us, so my reputation was saved in 
this direction. 

While thus standing out against the truth, and point- 
ing out all the imperfections and inconsistency of church 
members, thus shaking their black sheep at them ; and 
map;nifying the honor, kindness and uprightness of 
many who made no profession of religion, — often point- 
ing to Father Conklin, John Washburn and others, as 
examples of honesty and integrity — the news came that 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 97 

there was a revival of religion at Hall's Corners, about 
two and one-half miles from us, and one mile beyond 
where father lived, among the Christians ; that father 
and mother, Uncle Abe Clark and wife, and others, had 
gone forward in that meeting, and some of them had 
already professed religion. I thought this was rather 
brash, as I had perplexity enough before, and now what 
was to be done ? I concluded I would just go up there 
and upset that arrangement, that I would ! I asked 
my wife if she would like to go up to her father's ; she 
replied that she would be very glad to, if w^e had a con- 
veyance. 

There was a merchant living in the house that we 
had formerly occupied — a Methodist Class Leader, — 
who had recently come from the East, who kept a horse 
and buggy. As he could do nothing more than refuse, 
I asked for the horse and buggy, but there was no re- 
fusal. As soon as I told him where I wanted to go, he 
said at once that I could have it. 'Tor," said he, 
there is the place that I want you to go to meeting ; 
those preachers up there will riddle you through and 
through !" This did not ease my mind at alL ^' Why," 
said I, '^ they are nothing more than ' Whitewashed In- 
fidels,' are they ?" He replied, " I am acquainted with 
those people East, and they are a good people. Their 
preachers have got the vim in them, and if they are the 
same here that they are there, they will soon start your 
■ideas, and set you a going in the right direction." This 



98 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

did not cause me to feel any better, but I was still de- 
termined to go up there and '' kick up" some sort of a 
dust. I looked over my arguments, as I may say, 
'' packed up my kit," put in my Devil Killer so that I 
might be able to '^ destroy the Devil and all his works," 
then put in my Pontoon Bridge, so that I could run 
across the gulf, and started on my way ; feeling, I pre- 
sume, something as did Saul of Tarsus, when he started 
for Damascus to persecute the followers of Christ. I 
was for war; was not going to wait for them to com- 
mence at me, but was going to '^ pitch in" as soon as I 
got among them. The idea of their taking such a 
course as this, when we were having good meetings 
regularly at Andrews Hollow, and they among the 
chief supporters of said meeting. I thought that it was 
neither noble nor manlike to take such a course as they 
were then pursuing, and that they ought to be rasped 
a little, and I would give them '' Hail Columbia," then 
go up to the meeting and let those fanatics know there 
was one fellow yet, that they could not fool nor scare, 
if they were strong men from the East. 

When I drove up to the door of father's house, (that 
is, my wife's father,) he was absent, but mother was 
there looking so pleasant and good natured, and seem- 
ing so glad to see us, at the same time treating us so 
kindly, that it required some one with a harder heart 
than mine, to declare war under such circumstances, so 
I concluded I would be pleasant, too, till father came, 



O. p. ALDEEMAN. 



99 



tlien I would tell liim what was what, in a hurry, and try 
to learn him better than to be so hoodwinked by those 
shallow, fanatical preachers, as to renounce such a glo- 
rious doctrine as he had previously advocated. But 
the tug of war had not yet come with me. Bye and 
bye father came in, just as pleasant as a man could be, 
smiling as he approached me, and shaking hands, per- 
haps for the first time, with me. My courage failed 
me ; my heart was not hard enough to pitch battle with 
such friends as these. I thought my best plan was to 
retire and lie in ambush awhile, until there was some- 
thing said by them that would afford me a good oppor- 
tunity to open my batteries on them. 

But why should I wish to injure the feelings of those 
who were so kind to me ? Because the spirit of the 
Evil One had possession of my heart. I thought, of 
course, we w^ould not talk long before something would 
be said about the meetings at Hall's Corners, and then 
I would have an opportunity of freeing my mind. 
After a little talk father said they were having some 
excellent meetings at the Corners and perhaps we would 
like to attend. This I thought was the time to do my 
duty by showing that I was ready for battle. '^ Yes," 
I remarked, ^^ they say they are turning things all topsy 
turvy up there ; don't think I had better go, for I don't 
know much now, and don't want to be deprived of what 
little I do know, and become a shallow fool." I thought 
I would now wait and see what he would say to that, 



100 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

supposing of course, there would be some reply made 
by whicli the way would be opened for farther remarks, 
such as I should feel disposed to make, or else I would 
have the privilege of listening to an exhortation by a 
new-born babe. I did not much care which it would 
be, any way to get the matter a going, but to my sur- 
prise, there were no harsh words said, nor exhortation 
given. I did not suppose the combat was going to end 
here, and thought if nothing more,. I would be urged 
to attend the meetings ; but nothing of the kind. 

Father pleasantly replied that we would all stay at 
home and have a good visit,, as we h-ad not been there 
in a long time. Here I was beaten again at my own 
game. I had come expressly to attend the meeting, 
the horse and buggy had been furnished for that pur- 
pose, and now it was all smooth and nice for ns to stay 
at home. What course to pursue now I could not tell, 
as I found it was not an easy matter to fight with those 
who had no fight in them.. As the evening drew nigh 
I remarked to father that I guessed we had better go 
to meeting, that Martha would like to go, — in fact, we 
came up for that purpose, and I had decided that I 
would go along to. ^' well then,, if you and Martha 
want to go, we will hitch to the ' carryall' and all go 
together." I was not at all satisfied with my after- 
noon's labor, but could not, as yet, see a chance to make 
any improvement. At the time appointed for meeting, 
we were there. I took my seat back in the " Sinner's 



O. p. ALDERMAN. 101 

Corner," — braced myself up, folded my arms, and felt 
to say : ^' Now fire your big gun as soon as you please, 
you can't phase me, and after meeting if there is any 
chance I will say a few things to — enough to let you 
know that you are not yet wiser than all the nations of 
the earth." The preaching had not yet commenced and 
there was a man standing in front of the desk wearing 
a blue coat with large metal buttons, singing '' Babylon 
is fallen." He sang well, but did not look to me as 
though there was much preach in him. This man, as 
I afterwards learned, was Benjamin Haines, 

When the preaching was to commence, the tall, no- 
ble form of Elder Ezra Marvin, appeared in the desk. 
He announced for his text the following words : ''These 
are they which come out of great tribulation, and have 
washed their robes and made them white in the blood 
of the Lamb" — Eev. vii. 14. He preached the sermon 
through without saying Hell or Devil. I had no use 
at all for my weapons of warfare, as there was nothing 
for me to fight ; had no use for my Devil Killer nor ' 
Pontoon Bridge. I knew I wa.s whipped, but determined 
not to own it. While passing through his remarks he 
said : " Those who are now rejoicing in white robes 
were once the inhabitants of this earth, as we now are, 
but their robes have been washed, and they were now 
singing with the Angels and waving palms of victory 
amidst the triumphant harpings of the blest." When 
he uttered this paragraph there was something seemed 



102 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

to strike me like electricity, that I was not fit for such 
a place as he described — no, far from it. When the 
meeting closed I thought we would call this a " draw 
game/' and if they would let me alone, I would them; 
that I would now go home about my business, and if 
the people all wanted to become pious, let them '' go 
it." On our way down after meeting, I was asked how 
I liked the sermon. My reply was that I had heard 
better ones, but I did not try to tell when. 

The next morning I went home, but that sermon 
seemed to be repreached to me ; the echo still sounded on 
my ears. There was an arrow in my heart. I consid- 
ered this matter candidly when alone, and well knew 
that I ought to be a different and better man, and w^hy 
should I be so stubborn, so unwise, as to reject mercy 
when it was so kindly offered ? What would all my 
honor, pride and egotism prevail in the dying day? 
My mind became tender, even to tears, when I reflected 
on the love of Jesus and what he had done for those 
who, like myself, had " sinned with a high hand, and 
an outstretched arm." I felt that I was ^' almost per- 
suaded to be a Christian," and thought I would go into 
the house and speak one encouraging word to my wife, 
by informing her Ihat I thought it would be well for us 
to be Christians, but when I entered the house I did 
not say any such thing, but was carefu] to conceal every 
serious feeling and appear as though my mind was not 
exercised on the subject at all. 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 103 

Tlie next morning I commenced to sing, ^' that my 
load of sin was gone, etc." My wife looked at me say- 
ing, '^ I wish it was." I then commenced sputtering at 
her, saying it was strange that I could not hum an old 
hymn in a pious tune, without her making such an ap- 
plication of it, and bringing it so near home, when I 
was only in fun. 

My conviction increased, and it was with some effort 
that I could hold up my head or conceal my serious- 
ness. In fact, my head was pretty well down and, per- 
haps, my face covered with my hands, when in came 
my brother who made no profession, accompanied by 
Cousin James, the " Tom Payne" man. Surely I must 
now straighten up and be cheerful, or they will notice 
my seriousness. I put on as cheerful a countenance as 
circumstances would allow, that they might not notice 
that I had been in deep contemplation with regard to 
my soul's salvation. ^'Well, 01.," said one of them, 
" they say you have been up to the big meeting at Hall's 
Corners ; how are things looking up there ?" I replied 
that there was no chance for game there ; then to let 
them know that I was " true blue" yet, I swore. Never 
in my life did an oath sound like that before. It seemed 
as though it might be heard at least half a mile. They 
soon left, but had gone only a few rods before I wished 
they knew my feelings in full on this subject, but I had 
not courage enough to call to them, so they passed on 
^and were soon out of sight. 



104 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

The crisis had now come with me, and something 
must be done. The honest inquiry of my mind was, 
" What shall I do ? " The thought suggested itself to 
my mind that, after all, there might not be any reality 
in religion ; that if there was, Universalism must be 
correct, as it looked more reasonable than any other 
doctrine ; at the same time I had become satisfied that 
it was less scriptural. Now it is a fact that some 
preachers have been base hypocrites, and may be they 
all are ; if not, they may be wofully deceived ; then 
the imperfections of professors were again spread out 
in my view ; but all this did not save me, nor give me 
a hope of salvation beyond the dark grave, that I could 
feel was true and steadfast. 

I finally came to this conclusion : that I would go to 
the meeting again ; that I would go that night ; would 
take my wife with me if I could get a conveyance ; I 
would go forward and would do every thing they re- 
quested of me ; then if I found that consolation that 
they told so much about, or experienced a hope that I 
could rely upon, all right ; but I would be careful not 
to be deceived in this matter, and suppose I was a 
Christian when I was not ; but if there was any visible 
change, so that I could be satisfied that all was well 
with me, I would be thankful and give God the glory ; 
but if I did not experience anything of the kind, I 
I would just tell them what I thought of them, then 
quietly take my leave and trouble them no more. 



0. p. AL DEEM AN. 105 

thinking this would satisfy my mind so that it would 
be at rest, so far as religion was concerned. 

I feared if Joseph was asked to furnish horse and 
buggy for me to attend the meetings again, that he 
would give me another stab under the fifth rib, and I 
would not know what to say. I then asked Martha if 
she would like to visit her parents again and attend 
the meetings. Her reply was that she was willing to 
go, and she seemed pleased with the idea, but thought 
we would have an opportunity of informing father of 
our wishes, when he would come down and convey us 
up. I did not feel much like waiting ; was like Bun- 
yan's Christian when he would escape out of the City 
of Destruction, — anxious to be on my way, as I felt 
there was no time to be lost. I ventured to ask Joseph 
again to furnish conveyance, to which he replied : 
" Yes, and I will send up a boy to drive the horse 
back, and you can stay as long as you please ; hope 
you will come back all right." 

We were soon on our way. Found our folks bright 
and cheerful as before. The evening came and we 
were at the meeting again, I in the Sinner's Corner, but 
with a determination to go forward when the invitation 
was given. As I looked around the room I noticed 
Mr. Haines was there, but saw nothing of Elder Mar- 
vin, who was the man I wanted to hear preach ; did 
not think that Haines was the man to interest me ; 
had no anxiety to hear him, and feared the meeting, so 
far as I was concerned, would be a failure. 



106 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

The time for preaching came, and Elder Marvin 
took the desk. My anxiety wqs great to hear what 
he would have to say this time. He arose and read 
the following text : " And the times of this ignorance 
God winked at ; but now commandeth all men every- 
where to repent ; because he hath appointed a day in 
the which he will judge the world in righteousness by 
that man whom he hath ordained ; whereof he hath 
given full assurance unto all men in that he hath raised 
him from the dead." — Acts xxx., 31. I felt like risins^ 
and telling him that he had read his text wrong. I 
thought I knew all the passages where the judgment 
was referred to, but this sounded to me different from 
anything I had ever read. " Appointed a day in the 
which he will judge the world." This must surely be 
a new version, for God is judging the world all the 
time, — every day. As he proceeded with his discourse, 
the judgment appeared in a different light to me from 
what it formerly had. He dwelt a little upon ^' the 
day," remarking that it was not days, hut "a day." 
1 wondered who had been telling him about me, and 
thought that it was not gentlemanly for him to preach 
his whole discourse to me when there were so many 
others present who ought to have a portion. 

Soon after the meeting commenced in came Wm. 
Hill and sat doAvn by my side. I thought at that time I 
would rather see any other man in the world than him ; 
had much rather he had stopped at some other place. 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 107 

Only a few days had passed since we were togetlier at 
the races at Liberty Corners. He appeared like a 
mountain to me, and I began to think I would not go 
forward now, but would wait till a " more convenient 
season," when my old associates were not present. 
While these thoughts were revolving in my mind, the 
resolution I had formed also arose, and I renewed it, 
in the language of Eebecca to the servant in pursuit 
of a bride for Isaac, " I will go." Supposing I would 
feel ashamed and be embarrassed when I made the 
move, I only wished that I was there, and thought if 
I could move in such a manner that no one would see 
me I would be content ; but how could I get forward 
through this crowded house without the congregation 
all seeing me, and some of them would say : " There, 
just see ; there goes 01. Alderman ! He is just going 
forward to make fun." This was quite a cross to me. 
In looking over my route I thought that when the 
^ congregation arose to sing that I would pass up be- 
tween two seats until I was opposite the seat I wished 
to occupy, then I would pass through the croAvd so 
that few only would notice me. The sermon closed, 
and the invitation was given for all those, " however 
wicked they have been, who wish to become Christians 
by seeking the Lord and obeying Him, to come for- 
ward and kneel for the benefit of prayer." It seemed 
impossible for me to get up, I was so heavy ; it seemed 
that I weighed a ton. I made the effort, and arose 



108 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

without shame or fear, neither was I any longer em- 
barrassed. I walked to the place pointed out in front 
of the desk, and sat down with as much composure as 
though I was in my father's house. 

In a moment Wm. Hill was by my side. "Well, 
thought I, some good done, for I have influenced Hill 
to come forward after he came so near influencing me 
not to go. I am here, but what of it ; shall not get 
any religion this time, for my conviction is gone. Then 
I tried to feel bad, but could not ; was glad the effort 
was made, but what the result would be was more than 
I could tell. By this time I had entirely given up the 
idea of '^ blowing them up " by telling them they were 
hypocrites or wofully deceived; felt that it was all 
right, — that I should not go back at any rate — but 
how I should become a Christian, or whether I should 
ever be one, was for the future to reveal ; felt that 
'^ the way of the transgressor was hard ; " that I did 
not wish to continue in sin any longer, neither would 
I. When the time for prayer came we were all asked 
to kneel before God and seek his saving grace ; in 
humble penitence to ask, in the name of Jesus, for the 
forgiveness of our sins. I knelt with others. The 
first prayer was offered by a Mr. Ensley, called by 
many Father Ensley. No doubt but he was a good 
man, but I did not like him ; thought he was no ad- 
vantage to the meeting, as he was so slow of speech, 
lengthy in his remarks, and peculiar in his manners. I 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 109 

listened to his supplication before the Throne, which 
was commenced something after this manner : — '' 
Lord Jehovah of Hosts, Thou who destroyed the ante- 
diluvian world; led the children of Israel through the 
Eed Sea, and burnt up Sodom," etc. Well, thought I, 
that is all true no doubt, but it is not what I want just 
at this time. My desire was to be led in the way that 
Jesus went, — the way to glory. After a few prayers 
were offered we arose, and the converts spoke in honor 
of the cause of God. Some of them seemed to be happy. 
Some of the seekers expressed a desire for salvation. I 
thought I ought to arise and tell the people that I was 
sick of sin, but something seemed to say, that will do 
no good ; don't try to talk till you have something to 
say. I did not know at this time that this was a sug- 
gestion of the Satanic Majesty. The meeting closed 
without my saying a word. Had . I at that time told 
the people I was sick of sin, no doubt it would have 
been a benefit to me ; perhaps I should have '^ went 
on my way rejoicing." Night after night I attended 
the meeting and went forward, but not a word did I 
say either in or out of the meeting with regard to the 
cause I was pursuing. Sometimes I thought I was 
such a great sinner that I could not be forgiven ; that 
I had sinned away the day of grace and must be lost. 
At other times I felt that if I would do my duty and 
obey G-od, that all would be well ; that I had better put 
this off for a while ; that it would be easier bye-and- 



110 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

bye ; tliat I would then know better how to proceed. 
There was a speculation that I had been considering 
previous to my attending the meeting, and it was sug- 
gested that it would be better for me to go and effect 
that ; then I would have a few more dollars to help 
myself with, and would then attend to the salvation of 
my soul. I had nearly made the decision to attend to 
the speculation first, and was thinking about getting 
ready to start, when there was an impression on my 
mind that this might be the last opportunity I would 
ever have of preparing to meet my God in peace. It 
seemed that the impression was as strong as though I 
had heard an audible voice saying : " This speculation 
will cost your soul." I halted, considered a moment, 
and was then ready to say : '^ G-od be merciful to me a 
sinner ! " As the day passed I renewed old resolu- 
tions and formed new ones, and felt deeply the necessity 
of salvation, — felt my nothingness and wickedness 
before God. The evening came and I was at the meet- 
ing again, feeling that my destiny was sealed ; that I 
could never sing songs with angels around the throne 
of God, nor rejoice with the General Assembly of the 
Church of the First Born in heaven ; but down to ruin 
I must go, where the dark billows of death are con- 
tinually rolling, and there take up with the sad lamen- 
tation : '^ The harvest is past, the summer ended, and 
my soul is not saved." While this dark and dismal 
thought seemed to bear me down, there v/as a light 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. , 111 

came flitting across my mind, when the words of Paul 
were quoted, as follows : " This is a faithful saying, 
and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came 
into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief." 
If the chief of sinners can be saved, why not I ? I 
will still strive to seek and love the Lord ; and if I am 
lost, will go down to ruin asking God to have mercy 
upon me. I felt to adopt the language of the poet : — 

I can but perish if I go 

I am resolved to try ; 
For if I stay away, I know 

I must forever die. 

The meeting passed without my making any public 
demonstration of my feelings or resolutions. I felt that 
I could not say a word. I retired to enjoy the slumber 
of the night, and after sleeping awhile awoke, praying 
to God for mercy. My prayer seemed to be, " Lord 
show me my situation, that I may know how vile I am." 
It seemed that darkness, like a cloud, rose up before 
me, continuing to grow darker and darker. I thought 
what a mountain of sin rolls up between me and God, 
and hides me from the smiles of the loving Saviour. I 
exclaimed, " It is enough ! God be merciful to me, and, 
if possible, in the name of Jesus forgive me all my sins, 
that I may adore thy great and holy name." A light 
seemed to break forth above the cloud, and there ap- 
peared Jesus, the friend of sinners, and my sins were 
forgiven. '' Old things had passed away, and behold 



112 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

all things were new." My mind was calm and serene, 
and, for the first time in my life, I felt willing to die. 
Soon I dropped into a slumber and felt that I knew what 
it was to sleep sweetly. 

When I awoke, the darkness of the night had passed 
away, and the morning had dawned ; everything I be- 
held looked lovely, and I felt that I ought to give glory 
to God, to fall upon my knees and praise His excellent 
name for what He had done for me ; " that my feet had 
been taken from the miry clay and placed upon the 
rock ;" that now a song of praise should be given to the 
great and good Lord. But here came the tempter say- 
ing : ^' Don't make any fuss about this matter just yet ; 
wait awhile till you find out what all this means ; you 
know you said you did not mean to be deceived in this 
matter, and think you had religion when you had not, 
and not only deceive yourself but others. You have 
had quite a pleasant dream ; the vision of the night has 
been sweet to you, and if you want to thank God for 
anything, let it be for your pleasant dreams. How you 
would look down here on your knees, when you have 
so often thought that many who are hypocrites, are 
seen praying. Have you not often said that you would 
make no pretentions to religion, until you were sure 
that you enjoyed it? Are you willing so soon, to ac- 
cept of this, which is no more than a vision of the night, 
and tell the people you are converted?" " No," said 
I, '' I will do no such thing; I will make no profession 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 113 

till I have something more than a midnight dream." I 
arose, dressed myself and went out of the room without 
bowing before God, as I ought to have done. As I 
stepped out of the house and looked upon the face of 
Nature, it appeared more lovely than ever before. It 
seemed that I could look beyond Nature up to Nature's 
God. I hoped that, by and by, I might be brought 
into the kingdom of God. As the day passed, I had 
some hope and some fear, but my heart was fixed : I 
was determined to not give over the struggle, but con- 
tinue to seek God until I found mercy and peace, and 
could say that '^ Christ's yoke is easy, and his burden 
light." Thus another day passed in neglect of duty. 

"When the evening came and the people assembled, I 
felt that I did not wish to sit in the Sinner's Corner any 
longer, nor back with the Congregation of the Unright- 
eous, during the service. I seated myself among the 
Saints near the desk. how much I wanted to be a 
Christian ; how I desired to have this hard and obdu- 
rate heart melted down in humble contrition before 
God. I wished that I could feel as I did in the morn- 
ing when I first awoke from my slumber ; that if I 
could feei thus again, I would say something in favor 
of God and his cause. I now felt that I did wrong in 
the morning ; that I ought, at least, to have thanked the 
Lord for the preservation of my life through the night, 
and also asked him to have mercy on me. Great drops 
of perspiration stood on my brow, and my soul yearned 



114 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

for the livina;- Christ. A change came over me. I felt 
that my load of sin was gone and that I now had faith 
in Jesus ; that he was '^ The chief est among ten thous- 
and, and the one altogether lovely." I wiped the per- 
spiration from my face, and as I looked upon the people, 
I though it was the best looking congregation I ever 
saw. Never in all my life did T see people look so good. 
I looked up at Elder Marvin. There he stood, the man 
of God, telling the truth of heaven to the people ; it 
seemed that God was talking through him to those who 
listened. '' His face shown as the face of an Angel." 
And there was Father Ensley, how good he looked — 
that man that I had hated with a perfect hatred. His 
beard was long for those days, but he looked like a new 
man. Sure, thought I, there is a change somewhere, 
for Father Ensley don't look as he did before. He 
either looked different, or else my vision was somewhat 
changed, and I believed the change was in me. Yes, 
my eyes were opened, and I could see clearer than ever 
before. I felt to say, '' Bless God," and thought as 
soon as the sermon was closed there would be a witness 
on the floor for Jesus. 

When the sermon was finished the congregation im- 
media-tely commenced singing. How sweet those 
voices sounded as they joined in singing praise to God. 
I struck in to sing with those who w^ere tuning their 
voices high, with melody to the Lamb who was slain 
for us, when all at once it seemed that I had made a 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 115 

great blunder by singing. Then came tlie tempter 
again, saying: ''What, yon singing? You are a 
pretty fellow to get up here among the saints and try 
to sing, and thus disturb the public assembly. You 
ought to be ashamed." Well, I was ashamed, and sat 
down at once and looked all around the room to see if 
the people were not laughing at me. Then I covered 
my face with my hands and handkerchief, thinking I 
had done very wrong to disturb the meeting. Under 
this state of feeling, of course, I had nothing to say. 

I knelt in time of prayer, and the minister and 
others prayed so that I knew who they meant. They 
seemed to say, ''thou art the man." After prayer 
many arose and spoke of the goodness of God, but I 
was not among the number ; had nothing to say. The 
minister, for the first time, spoke directly to me. 
Putting his hand upon my head, he said: "Friend, 
you have been forward here a number of nights, and, 
we trust, for good. We have tried to instruct you in 
the way to everlasting life, and have prayed that Grod 
would have mercy on you. Now if you have found 
favor with God and peace in believing, it is your duty 
to speak in honor of his cause ; if you have not, by 
arising and telling your feelings and determinations, 
you may be blest at once." 1 shook my head, and the 
minister passed on without farther remarks. After 
meeting was closed, Bro. John Sellon spoke to me as 
he took me by the hand, saying : " How are you get- 



!!& xYUTOEIOGEAPHY OW 

ting along ? " I told him I was making oitt big ;. 
guessed I should come out all straight, and tried to 
turn the matter off as though there was nothing un- 
common with me. '' Why/' said he, " I thought once 
this evening you were converted ; you looked so good 
when you raised your head and wiped the perspiration 
from your face. I certainly thought God had blessed 
you." '' Well," I replied,. '' that is so, but the Devil 
has cheated me out of it." How strange it seemed to 
m^ that I should be talking about the Devil in this 
way,- Bro. Sv remarked :• " He is- an old and great 
liar, and has cheated me- out^ of many blessings. Now 
go to praying again and do yotir d'uty, and you will 
overcome all his temptations and suggestions,, and' get 
a complete victory over the powers of darkness." 
" Praying again." How does he know I have been 
praying ? I replied that I would do the best I could,, 
then passed on and out of the house. I then felt all 
right — light as a cork ; thought I would like to run, 
clap my hands, and praise God as I went, I hurried 
on ahead of my company,, as I wanted to be alone with 
Jesus. Now I felt sure when an opportunity offered I 
could readily speak of the goodness of God, and tell of 
the love of Jes^us. Mother did not attend meeting that 
evening, so I thought I would huny home and tell her 
what God had done for me. Yes, she should be the 
first one to hear the good news ; the first to hear me 
speak forth the praises of God. 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 117 

I enjoyed this train of thought until I stepped upon 
the stoop. There I was met again by him who goes 
about like a roaring lion. ^' Hold on, don't go in now 
and telL your wife's mother a lie the first thing after 
you come from meeting ; hold on a little now. You 
have thought two or three times before that you had 
experienced religion, but it proved to be nothing but 
imagination ; nothing real about it." I thought that 
was a good idea. It would be awful to tell a lie after 
I had started out to seek Jesus ; so I entered the 
house and held my peace until mother asked where the 
rest of the family were, and if we had a good meeting. 
I told her the folks would soon be along, that the 
meeting was very good, the interest increasing, and 
that others were coming forward. Soon father and 
other members of the family came in. " Well," said 
father, " this meeting is doing a world of good. Many 
came forward to-night for the first time, and they had 
to prepare another seat for the seekers." I wanted to 
express my feelings, but feared if I made the effort I 
should say something that I ought not to say ; perhaps 
would weep, and thus betray my weakness ; but 
thought I would let them know in some way that I 
felt that I was upon the Lord's side. The water pail 
stood on a bench in the corner of the room ; thought 
I would go there and take the dipper near my mouth, 
then would speak if I could ; and if I could not, would 
make them believe I had choked myself endeavoring to 



118 AUTOBIOGEAPIIY OF 

drink. When the cup was in a proper position, I spoke 
and said : '^ Some of those fellows may have my anxious 
seat noW; as I shall not use it any more/' Mother 
said, with a look of sadness, '^ Why, Oliver ! I am 
sorry." Said I, '^ What are you sorry for ? " '' 0," 
she said, '^ you have been so rude and wild I was in hopes 
you would go on in the good way in which you have 
started." I told her I guessed that would be all right. 
I soon retired, feeling that God had pardoned me ; that 
I now had a hope beyond the grave. I said to my 
wife, '' I have experienced religion." She replied : 
'^ So has the old dog, just as much ; " then she said, ^' I 
wish you had." I then talked to her in such language 
that she was soon satisfied that her once wicked hus- 
band was now a child of grace, — '' that old things had 
passed away and all things had become new." She 
called out to her father, saying, " Oliver is converted, 
1 am sure." " Bless the Lord," said father ; " give 
God the glory." I then felt that I would like to get 
up and praise the Lord aloud for his wonderful works 
to the children of men, and especially, for what he had 
done for me. Soon I was in a sweet slumber, and 
when I awoke the Eastern horizon had opened her 
windows and sent forth the light. It was truly a 
peaceful and blest morning to me. All was calm and 
lovely, and my peace was like a river. When I arose 
from my couch I bowed upon my knees and praised the 
Lord. After my short devotion- before the throne^ I 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 119 

passed out at the door. It almost seemed like a new 
world. Nature never appeared so lovely to me before ; 
everything, seemingly, was praising God. I no longer 
hesitated to tell all I saw, that I was happy in Christ, 
my Saviour. 

The news went as on wings of the wind that 01. 
Alderman was converted ; as it were from Dan to 
Beersheba, the echo sounded. I was not ashamed of 
it, for I wanted the world to know it. I was after- 
wards informed that no one had any confidence in my 
sincerity ; that they all, with one consent, said he 
means nothing good. Elder Marvin was informed 
that I was such a scapegrace that I dared to do any- 
thing ; that I was just going forward in the way I did 
for some selfish object, they could not themselves tell 
what. 

. After breakfast I went over among my old associates 
at the Andrews Settlement to tell them that, '^ Whereas 
I once was blind, now I could see." I went across the 
lots and through the woods, often bowing before Grod 
in prayer and praise. It seemed that the enemy fled 
before me ; my path was clear, there were no lions in 
the way. It sometimes seemed as though I could 
almost see the enemy before me, but he would keep out 
of my way. It was a great satisfaction for me to talk 
with my old associates of the goodness of God ; and it 
seemed strange that they could not see how much bet- 
ter it was to serve God than to be living in sin. They 



120 AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 

offered the same arguments that I had used for years, 
but they amounted to nothing with me, for I had 
already enjoyed all that such arguments afforded. I 
now knew for myself that there was joy and consola- 
tion in serving God ; and I loved to talk of his good- 
ness, feeling confident that when the evening meeting 
came I should be a bold witness for Him who died 
upon the Cross. As the people assembled for service, 
I took my seat again among those who professed to te 
Christians, — not exactly where I was the evening be- 
fore, but a little farther from the desk. 

I enjoyed the sermon well, and still felt that as soon 
as opportunity was given I would tell what a blessed 
. thing it was to serve God. As soon as the sermon 
was ended the Elder said that if any present had found 
peace since we last met, there was now an opportunity 
for them to express their feelings. I felt that he 
meant me, and the thought arose. What shall I say ? 
I trembled like a leaf, fearing I would say something 
that I ought not, in case I arose to speak. The entire 
congregation was hushed to silence, and, seemingly, 
every eye was fixed on me. I was thinking rapidly at 
this time. I finally concluded I would get up and tell, 
as near as I could, the condition of my mind since I 
had commenced attending the meeting ; that I had 
tried to give my heart to God and become an heir of 
grace ; that I had felt, at times, that all was well with 
me ; then again would doubt. Then the people could 



0. p. ALDEE.MAN. 121 

decide whether or no I was a Christian ; and, if not, 
what I needed to do to become such. There seemed 
to be something holding me down, so that I could not 
get up ; but the effort to arise was made in earnest, 
and I was upon my feet. I said only three words : 
'^ Glory to God." This satisfied my mind, and I think 
the congregation generally were much pleased, for 
many repeated it after me. I thought of the time 
when the angel announced the birth of the Saviour to 
the shepherds upon the plain ; as he started away, he 
shouted : " Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, 
and good will to men ; " and the convoy of angels all 
chimed in, repeating the same. The glory of the Lord 
seemed to fill the place where we were sitting, and it 
was truly " the House of God and the gate of heaven " 
to me. 

" My willing soul would stay, 

In such a frame as this ; 
Would sit and sing herself away, 

To everlasting bliss. 

On the afternoon of the next day, I attended the 
convert meeting held at the residence of Brother John 
Sellon, frequently stopping on my way, falling upon 
my knees, and asking God to grant me grace and wis- 
dom to discharge my duty. Immediately after the 
opening prayer was offered by Elder Marvin, I engaged 
in prayer vocally to God, and felt that he was a prayer- 
hearing and a prayer-answering God. When the 



122 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

proper time came for speaking, I was ready to give a 
reason for my hope. This was not only an interesting 
but a beneficial meeting to me, as it strengthened and 
prepared me for the duties of the evening. These 
convert meetings are very useful during a season of 
revival. 

As soon as the congregation was assembled for even- 
ing service, I was ready to open my lips in prayer, in the 
prayer and social meeting preceding the preaching 
exercises. The service of the Lord is delightful, and I 
became quite active in religious duties, both in and 
out of the church ; and soon learned that it was better 
for me to do my duty in standing as a witness for the 
Saviour, soon after the meeting commenced. A few 
times I waited till near the close of the meeting, but 
found I lost confidence and consolation by so doing, 
and the longer I waited the more excuses presented 
themselves. I always enjoyed myself the best when I 
Avas prompt in the discharge of duty. 

One evening Elder Marvin preached at the school- 
house in the Andrews Settlement, where I had so often 
attended the Universalist meeting, and the most of us 
converts who had formerly attended the meeting there 
were present. Among our number was John Wash- 
burn, who had formerly been a warm advocate of the 
salvation of all men. Just before the Elder closed his 
remarks, he said : '^ We have witnesses just at hand." 
Brother Washburn arose as soon as the sermon was 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 123 

ended, and said : '^ My friends, I have often attended 
meeting with some of yon in this house ; but like a 
door swinging on its hinges, we came and went without 
being blessed, as the true followers of the Lamb are. 
We talked much about loving our neighbors, and but 
little about loving Grod. Now I feel that I love God 
in deed and in truth." Then after giving them a 
warm exhortation to flee the wrath to come, he took 
his seat. I arose and endeavored to tell them of the 
goodness of G-od which leadeth men to repentance. 

Soon I called on my brother, who a few days pre- 
vious, in company with Cousin James, had asked me 
how things were looking at Hall's Corners, and before 
whom I uttered an oath to let .them know that I was 
'' true blue." I felt vexed and almost perplexed be- 
cause I could not make him understand the matter as 
I. did. "Well," he replied, "I hope you will not do 
as some others have done," etc. He was just as blind 
as I had formerly been. I thought of the old proverb : 
" None so blind as those who will not see." I could 
say how '' good and how pleasant it is, to be with the 
children of God." 

I soon felt that I was not going to sail to heaven on 
flowery beds of ease ; that there was a work for me to 
do. It seemed to me that I had led a great band in 
wickedness, and that now it was my duty to lead many 
to the Cross of Christ. There were many around me 
with whom I had associated in sin, who were still in 



124 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

tlie broad road to perdition. My feelings were some- 
j thing as the poet expressed in the following lines : — 



"One night as I lay musing, 

The spirit said to me, 
Go blow ttie gospel trumpet, 

Go sound the jubilee." 

I felt that I was not at all capable of preaching 
the gospel, and that an effort in that direction would 
be a complete failure ; that I would be a laughing 
stock for the people ; that I would do my duty as a 
Christian, and not think any more about trying to 
preach, but darkness would gather around when I felt 
an unwillingness to go. A little pride crept into my 
heart, and I thought if I could be a smart and popular 
preacher that I would have no objection to going for- 
ward ; but to go through the country trying to preach 
when I could neither interest anybody nor do them 
any good, was a thought too humiliating for me. 
Thoughtful days and restless nights passed by, while 
I was struggling to fully know my duty. Sometimes 
I felt as Jonah did, — that I would like to flee from the 
presence of the Lord. Then again I would think if I 
was in some strange land, surrounded by people that 
I had never before seen, I would be willing to make 
the effort. 

While striving to satisfy myself by attending the 
meetings and doing my duty there, I continually saw 



■~1 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 125 

multitudes going on to tlie grave and to the judgment, 
as thoughtless as the unthinking horse rusheth into 
battle. Whereas I could once leave my family, my 
father and mother, and be gone from home for weeks 
too^ether, I now felt that I would like to remain at 
home. At this time our little daughter, about fifteen 
months old, was quite sick ; and when I felt that I 
could leave other friends, the affection of this little 
prattler would entwine around my heart, and it seemed 
that I could not go forth. A few days later and all 
that was left here of this little one was a lifeless corpse. 
Now one strong tie that bound me to home was sev- 
ered. This was a solemn time with us. 

After the little treasure was put in the casket and 
let down into the cold grave, we returned with slow 
step to our home, to endure hours of loneliness, caused 
by the departure of our little daughter who, for a few 
short months, had gladdened the hearts of the friends 
who cared for her, and now, like the falling rose, had 
passed away. While my companion on one side of the 
table and myself on the other were sitting in silent 
sadness, I took a pencil and paper from the table and 
wrote the following lines : — 

Ardella Ann is dead and gone, 

We saw her life depart ; 
She's left her parents here to mourn 

With sorrow in their heart 
A Saviour answers, " Cease to weep, 
She is not dead, but only sleeps." 



126 AUTOBIOaEAPHY. 

I saw her spotless soul arise, 
Through yonder stars of even, 

Led on by angels through the skies, — 
She's welcomed into heaven; 

But when I woke and saw her shroud, 

I could not help but weep aloud. 

And is it sinful thus to weep ? 

]My conscience answers no; 
"When wounds of sorrow are so deep. 

Tears must have room to flow; 
Then when I heard the rumbling clod 
Fall on her coffin, Oh, my Gk)d ! 

Now we return and sad we feel. 
Our hearts with grief abound; 

The grave is filled, and set the seal, — 
Lie soft thou hallowed ground; 

Long shall the flowers that o'er thee grow, 

Be watered by the tears of woe. 

I now contemplated leaving my home and going 
into some strange land, tliere to blow the gospel 
trumpet and invite my fellow men to God. Yet I 
thought if it was my duty to preach at all, that I 
"should commence in my own country and among my 
own kindred. 



OHAPTEE XL 

One evening in the little town where I lived, I at- 
tended a prayer meeting with the Baptist brethren and 
enjoyed a very good meeting. At the close I arose and 
gave notice that, by the help of God, I would, on a cer- 
tain evening named, speak to the people in this house, 
(it was a school house) and desired the prayers of the 
brethren that I might be directed in the path of duty, 
and have grace sufficient for my day, to enable me to 
discharge my duty in the love and fear of God. The 
news went like fire before the wind through a dry stub- 
ble, that 01. Alderman was going to preach! Yes, 
PEEACH ! ! He had given out the appointment himself, 
and there was no telling what he would do now he had 
got started in this direction. Sometimes I thought if 
my first effort proved a failure, it would be a blessing 
to me ; that I should understand that a failure would 
be an evidence that it was not my duty, and also an 
evidence that God never called me to the work of 
preaching the gospel. 

The evening for the meeting arrived, and the house 
was crowded to the utmost. My own father and 
mother, who lived near by, were present. In the days 
of my wickedness, mother had said that about all the 
hope she had of my salvation, was that I would seek 



128 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

tlie Lord in tlie State's Prison, but the aged motiier 
could now say, like Simeon of old, '^ Lord, thy hand- 
maid can now depart in peace, for my eyes have seen 
thy salvation." Mother said after meeting that she 
never heard such a prayer offered as was offered that 
evening, that it seemed as though heaven was not afar 
off 

I had selected my text and the hymns to be sung 
before going to the place of meeting. I entered the 
house w^ith my book in my hand and my hand in my 
pocket, determined not to be long in suspense before 
commencing the exercise. I arose almost as soon as I 
had set down, and gave the number of the hymn I 
wished sung, reading it without any embarrassment. 
The moment I was on my feet all fear fled aw^ay, my 
trembling ceased, and I felt truly that God was a pres- 
ent help in time of need to those who put their trust in 
him. At the close of the singing I bowed before the 
throne to offer thanks and praise to G-od for what he 
had already done, and to ask his presence on this occa- 
sion. Truly I had got complete victory over a man- 
fearing and man-pleasing spirit. It seemed that the 
throne was near ; that I could lay the gift upon the 
altar. My soul was filled with love to God, and love 
for poor sinners. After singing the second time, I 
arose and told the people I had felt it my duty to try 
to preach the gospel of the Son of God to perishing 
men and women, and tell them the good news that sal- 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 129 

vation liad come to many, and many more might obtain 
it if they would. My text was Jonah ii. 9 : ''I will 
pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord." 

I never spoke more freely in my life, and have often 
wished that a reporter had been there, that the dis- 
course might have been read at a future time. I do 
not think there was either much preach or much ora- 
tory about it, but I know that it came from a warm 
heart. Many of the brethren from Hall's Corners Avere 
present to hear what their converted gambler would 
say. I was much pleased with their presence, and 
really thought that I gave them a pretty good preach 
for a boy. The congregation seemed spell bound — all 
as silent as the house of death, except an occasional 
response. Some were in tears, and all appeared inter- 
ested. Some, doubtless, could say : How great the 
change, — a few weeks ago behind the gaming table, — 
now behind the desk. 

When I finished my remarks and sat down, I felt 
that I was the happiest man alive ; that trouble was 
all past now ; that I was a good preacher, and could do 
my duty in this direction very easily. Surely the 
Devil was not dead yet, and how willing I was to listen 
to him, supposing these thoughts all arose in an honest 
heart, and were all true. I was honest in thinking 
that I could preach as good and smart as Elder Wes- 
cott, or either of the Marvins. Something said : '^ You 
had better send an appointment up to Hall's Corners, 



130 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OP 

"vvhere you were converted, and show them how a boy- 
can preach," so I sent the appointment up, thinking I 
could "astonish the natives." 

The days were counted as they rolled on toward the 
time when he who had so recently appeared in the 
congregation at Hall's Corners as a vile sinner, then a 
seeker of Jesus, and then a convert, was to appear be- 
fore the people there as a Minister of the Gospel, and 
bring things new and old out of the treasury of the 
Lord. The time came, — the people assembled, — the 
preacher was in the desk. I named a hymn, which was 
duly sung, then bowed before the people in the attitude 
of prayer. It did not seem that God was as near as on 
the previous occasion, but then I had no doubt but I 
would give them an interesting discourse. 

After singing the second time, I was on my feet and 
told the congregation they might find my text for the 
present occasion in Matthew, the 24th chapter and the 
37th, 38th and 39th verses, and that it read thus : 
^' But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming 
of the Son of Man be. For as in the days that were 
before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marry- 
ing and giving in marriage, until the day that Xoe 
entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood 
came and took them all away ; so shall also the coming 
of the Son of Man be." 

Well, I started out and spread ray sail, but there did 
not appear to be much of a breeze. My mouth se-^med 



0. p. ALDEE.MAN» 131 

practically closed^could not tell much about Noe ; it 
seemed, at this time, that he was a stranger to me-^ 
could not remember much about him ; and as for the 
flood, I was sure there had been one sometime. I could 
remember of times when the rain had poured down in 
torrents, but concluded that this big flood in Noes 
time was before my remembrance, and that I could 
not tell much about it. If it now covered all the face 
of the Earth, it would be a pleasure to me to swim out 
of this crowd, or if I could not do that, would dive un- 
der the water and get out of sight in this way ; but as 
the case was, there was no chance for me to make my 
escape by water, and if I got out of this crowd at all, I 
must do it by some other means. How could I make 
my escape was the question. The house was densely 
filled, and the door in the opposite end from the desk, 
so it was impossible for me to get out there. Had 
there been a window near perhaps that would have 
answered my purpose, and I would soon have been out 
of sight. Had there been even a cat-hole in reach, I 
felt that I was small enough to go through it> but there 
was no escape. The big boy-preacher from Kendall 
Hollow was, in his estimation, fairly swamped. I sat 
down with a firm resolution that this was the last effort 
I should ever make to preach. I closed the meeting 
as best I could, feeling that my days, if not few, were 
full of trouble. One of the brethren asked me to leave 
another appointment. I felt that it was an insult. 



132 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

0; how dark and dreary my mind was at this time. 
For about three weeks I spent my time in sadness and 
sorrow. Why I should have such a free, good time the 
first efibrt I made, and then such a downfall as this, 
was more than I could tell. I thought again : '' God 
moves in a mysterious way." '^ His way is past find- 
ing out." I now thought I would be contented, that it 
was not my duty to preach, nor could I do it if it was. 
I would be a good lay member in the church, doing all 
the duties that devolved upon me. I felt a great de- 
gree of unworthiness and some condemnation. I read 
my Bible as carefully as I could, and asked G-od for his 
guidance in this matter. '' If any of you lack wisdom 
let him ask of God, who giveth to all men hberally and 
upbraideth not." 

In my investigations I became satisfied that it was 
not so much what we felt or what we believed, as what 
we did. I think no one should look for the experience 
of another, but serve God as the Bible instructs and it 
win lead us to the Throne of Grace. I read in the 
Good Book that " the Lord resisteth the proud, and 
giveth grace to the humble." The thought then oc- 
curred to me that the first time I tried to preach, I 
Was humble, and enjoyed the grace of God, consequently 
had a good time ; but on the subsequent occasion I was 
proud, feeling that I could preach as good as the best 
of them. Then the Lord resisted me, and I showed 
the people just how a proud boy could preach. Tliis 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 133 

was a good lesson to me and should have been a last- 
ing one, but alas, how frail is man ! After much 
trouble and perplexity of mind, I decided I would make 
another effort to proclaim the good news of salvation 
to lost mankind. Trusting in Grod, I went forth again, 
and was blest in the effort. I found that God was ever 
true to all his promises to the children of men. I held 
a number of meetings in the region where I lived and 
saw the glorv of God manifest. 



CHAPTER XIL 

The subject of baptism soon engaged my attention ; 
but as I was sprinkled when an infant, (before my 
remembrance,) I tbougbt at first tbat nothing more 
was necessary ; could not think of throwing away what 
my mother had done for me ; but as I read my Bible, 
I understood that Christ lived our example and died 
our sacrifice ; that he was baptized but once, and con- 
sequently in but one way, and surely that must be the 
right way. I heard people talking about the '^ modes 
of baptism," but could find nothing of this kind in the 
Scripture. My mind was in favor of sprinkling, but I 
wanted my conscience clear; therefore I looked for 
arguments in favor of sprinkling, and counseled with 
those who were its strongest advocates, who informed 
me at once that immersion was the ancient mode of 
baptism, but as it was not a saving ordinance, a drop 
of water was just as good as a fountain. They quoted : 
^' It is not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, 
but the answering of a good conscience." The quota- 
tion is in First Peter, third chapter, and a part of the 
twenty-first verse, and reads thus : '^ The like figure 
whereunto even baptism doth also now save us, (not 
the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the 
answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the 
resurrection of Jesus Christ." 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 



135 



I then asked them if this was all the argument they 
could offer in favor of sprinkling. The answer was 
that they thought it sufficient. After reading for my- 
self and comparing scripture with scripture, I became 
fully satisfied that it was my duty to be buried with 
Christ in baptism, as recorded in Eomans vi. 3d, 4th and 
5th verses. I therefore moved forward and was baptized 
by Elder E. Marvin in the pure waters of Seneca Lake,, 
at Big Stream Point, in company with about twenty 
others, my wife being among the number. I had been 
invited to join different ^ churches so called, but the 
Christians had said nothing to me about joining the 
Christian Church. Articles of Faith, Creeds and Dis- 
ciplines were freely handed me, and I was ready to 
read all that was presented ; but when I saw the differ- 
ence in the views of supposed great and good men, and 
the medleys in their writings, I was astonished. Had 
it not been for what God had done for me, my faith in 
the Christian religion would have been much weakened, 
but I was sure there was a reality in the religion of 
Jesus Christ, for with me " old things had passed 
away and all things had become new." I had a desire 
to do right and perform every duty, but could not 
possibly please all my friends by joining with them, 
and what would please some would displease others. 
My object was to please God, and I was then in my 
youthful zeal, and fancied God would tell me, or make 
known to me, the church which it was my duty to join. 



136 



AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 



One day wnen alone in the house I took my Bible to 
my bedroom, then laying it upon a chair, knelt down 
and prayed God to inform me what church to join. 
After I had concluded my devotion, I opened the book 
and my eyes at once rested on these words : '^ Of a 
truth I perceive that Grod is no respecter of persons ; 
but in every nation he that feareth him and worketh 
righteousness is accepted with him." Acts x. 34 and 
35. I clapped my glad hands for joy and said : '^ Let 
me fear the Lord and work righteousness ; " but feeling 
that perhaps I might do this in any of the churches, 
the question was still, Where shall I cast in my lot. 
Sometimes I looked toward the Methodists and read 
their Discipline thoroughly, but found much there that 
I could not endorse ; and, as an honest man, I could not 
say to the world, '^ I am a Methodist," when I did not 
believe the doctrine held and advocated by them. 

I have always respected one man for his honesty, 
when he called to have an interview with me. Said 
he : ^' I have come to proselyte you ; I want you to be 
a Methodist, and if what everybody says is true, that 
you are going to be a useful Minister, I want you 
among us. If you join the Christians, as some think 
you will, you will have a hard row to hoe, for they do 
not believe in paying their Minister; and you have 
heard their Ministers preach against salaries and dona- 
tions and the like. We pay our Ministers a given sum 
for themselves and wives, and then an additional 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 137 

amount for each child." After listening to his argu- 
ments I informed him that my motto was to '^ Buy the 
truth and sell it not," so he left without making much 
impression on my mind in favor of becoming a Method- 
ist. I thought some of becoming a Baptist. My father 
and other good friends would be pleased with this, but 
mother and others would much rather I would be a 
Presbyterian. how I wished my relations and 
friends all belonged to one church. I could see no ad- 
vantage in their being thus divided; as I once remarked 
before making a profession of religion, nearly all the 
churches I had any knowledge of, were represented in 
our family — father a Baptist ; mother and one of my 
brothers, Presbyterian ; one brother a Congregation- 
alist, and my only sister a Methodist. I had noticed 
in times of religious revivals that their interest seemed 
to. be the same ; around the family altar, in the church, 
and wherever their duty called them. Then they all 
seemed to work for God, and were one in this good 
work, but as soon as the revival was over they would 
then begin to work for themselves and thus separate, 
one pulling one way and another another way, and 
sometimes their elbows would '^ stick out." 

Having some thoughts of joining the Baptists, I at- 
tended their Covenant Meeting. The converts were 
requested to relate their experience as it was called. 
As they were seated along in order, I was about two- 
thirds down the class from the head. When my turn 



138 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

came I told what the Lord had done for me, and gave, 
as well as I could, the reason of my hope in Christ. 
After all had spoken the Minister took their Articles 
of Faith, and commencing at the head, would read an 
article to one person, asking him if they believed thus ; 
then another, and so on till the articles were all read, 
the person declaring at the close of each article that he 
thus believed. I then wished that I was somewhere 
else, as I did not believe some of those articles, and had 
decided that I should not offer myself for membership ; 
not knowing that I had already indirectly done this by 
taking a seat with the converts. I was afraid they 
would think that I was an intruder who had come in 
there to spy out their liberties. 

As I thought it would not be gentlemanly nor 
christian-like to leave at this stage of the meeting, I 
kept my seat, hoping he would pass by me without 
saying anything ; but if he did I intended simply to 
inform him that I did not wish to join that day, sup- 
posing then all would be quiet. I noticed that he told 
each one after they had nodded consent to the articles, 
that they now stood as candidates for baptism, and 
when baptized would be members of the church. As 
he came to me he gave the signal for me to arise and 
consent to the Articles of Faith. I remarked as 
pleasantly as I could, that I did not wish to join the 
church that day, supposing that he would then pass on, 
but in this I was disappointed, as he began to talk to 



.J 



ii 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 



139 



me by way of giving instruction, repeating that we 
should " not light a candle and put it under a bushel, 
but on a candlestick that it might give light to all in 
the house," and other similar texts. I told him I 
trusted I understood, in some degree at least, the 
meaning of those passages, but did not wish to join the 
church just yet, — tried to talk so that he would get the 
impression that at some future time, perhaps, I would 
offer myself as a candidate, but he did not seem willing 
to give it up in this way, and finally asked me to give 
the reason why. '' Well," I told him, " if nothing else 
will answer, I am under the necessity of saying that 
at present, I do not believe your Articles of Faith." 
^' Why, sir, don't you believe these Articles of Faith ?" 
^' Not exactly," said I, then quoting from them and 
then from the Bible, I asked him if both could be true. 
'^This, sir," said he, ^'is no place for controversy." I 
remarked that " I had so understood it, but, sir, what 
shall I do ? I did not come here for controversy, but 
to enjoy a good meeting, and supposed if I did not offer 
myself as a candidate for membership, there would be 
no controversy nor any harm done ; but as you insisted 
upon my giving the reason why I do not wish to join • 
the church, I have simply done so, and am sorry if I 
have done anything wrong, as I do not wish to be in 
the way of any, but intend to be honest before my 
Maker." He then added a few words and passed on. 
I noticed some others said they wished to wait a little 



140 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

before becoming members. Was then sorry that I 
bad attended the meeting at all, thinking perhaps if 
I had not been there, they would have got other mem- 
bers; and while I wished to enjoy the Bible as I un- 
derstood it, was perfectly willing that others should do 
the same. 

The meeting closed and I started immediately for 
home. Soon the first one who had said that he believed 
those articles, or had nodded his assent thereto, came 
running along and overtook me, asking what the doc- 
trine of the Trinity was. '^ Why," said I, " don't you 
know?" ^^ISTo," said he, '^ I don't know anything 
about it." " Then," said I, '^ if you don't know what 
it is, nor anything about it, how do you know you be- . 
lieve it ? " '^ Why," said he, "I suppose it is all right 
or they would not have it in their Articles." I then 
told him what I supposed they meant by the Trinity. 
'^ Well," said he, '^ I don't believe that. I believe that 
Christ is the son of God, not the Father ; and will have 
my name taken from the list." I told him I hoped he 
would not do that ; perhaps the minister could explain 
to him so that he would understand better about it. 

In a few days I was informed that the next Satur- 
day, the Christians were going to have a Fellowship 
Meeting at Hall's Corners. ''A Fellowship Meeting " 
said I, ''that is a new name to me for a meeting. 
What sort of a meeting is that?" "It is a meeting 
where the brothers and sisters have a religious talk 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 141 

and express their fellowship to and for each other, and 
then open the door of the church for the reception of 
members; then if there are those who wish to join, 
they take a vote, and if the members mostly vote for 
it, and none against it, the candidates are declared mem- 
bers, and the Eight Hand of Fellowship is extended to 
them." '' Well, perhaps I had better not attend, I 
have been to one such meeting as that, or a similar one, 
and wished before meeting was out, that I was not 
there ; am afraid I did more harm than good." ^^Well," 
said my informant, "the meetings of the Christians 
are not conducted on the same plan as those of other 
denominations. You will not be at all in the way there, 
neither will you be urged to join. Their principles 
will be set forth, and those wishing to join can have the 
opportunity." " Their principles are to be set forth 
on that occasion, are they?" "Yes." "Then I will 
attend, but if I like their Articles of Faith no better 
than those I heard the other day, I shall be sorry I am 
there." " They have no Articles of Faith except those 
given by inspiration. The Bible is all the creed they 
have. They do not make opinion the test of fellow- 
ship ; Christian character is with them the test ; they 
fellowship all Christians who love and serve Grod, what- 
ever their peculiar notions with regard to various doc- 
trines may be." I thought I would attend that 
meeting and see what they said and did. 

Accordingly when the appointed time came, I was 



142 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

there. It was an interesting meeting to me ; it really- 
seemed that I had got home again. After the testimo- 
nies were given in favor of the cause of truth, Elder 
Marvin arose and said it was customary with them at 
such meetings as this, to open the door of the church 
for the reception of members. He then spoke some- 
what as follows : *^ The difference between us and the 
other religious bodies is, that we make piety the test 
of fellowship, and Christian character necessary for 
church membership instead of opinions. "We unchrist- 
ianize none who are striving to follow the Saviour. The 
Bible is our creed, and each member is to be his own 
interpreter. His opinion is his private property ; his 
character, the_ property of the church. We take no 
name but Christian, — the name by which the disciples 
were called at Antioch." ''Well," thought I, ''this will 
do pretty well, — think I will offer myself as a member. 
I did so and was received." 

I found it an advantage to me to belong to the church. 
I got somewhat discouraged after I had been in the 
way a while, even after I had commenced to preach ; 
felt rather down in my mind, and thought I would not 
preach any more. Would go to the next Fellowship 
Meeting and have my name dropped from the record, 
and not be a church member any longer. Did not feel 
that I would become wicked again, but thought I 
would live a pretty good life. Then there were some 
members in the church who were not exactly right, 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 143 

and tills would justify me in withdrawing from it. I 
had an appointment or two out for preaching, and my 
wife, who did not seem at all anxious to have me preach, 
thought I had better fill the appointments out ; then if 
I decided not to preach any more, I need not give out 
any more appointments. I attended the Fellowship 
Meeting, which was a profitable one to me. Almost as 
soon as the brethren began to talk I saw, at once, just 
where I was, and that they had been there before me. 
I decided to remain in the church and do what little I 
could for its up-building. 

I think it very foolish to decide to leave the church 
every time we get a little cold in our minds, and begin 
to see the faults of others. It is better to stay in the 
house and brush down the spider-webs, than to let 
the spiders drive us out of the house. The old prov- 
erb, " Stick to the ship," I think is a good one. 

When my appointment came for preaching I thought 
I would fill that appointment the best I could, and have 
no more. I passed through a grove on my way to the 
meeting, where I bowed before God, and sought his 
grace to rest upon one that was negligent and unduti- 
ful, in the great cause of his Master. As I drew nigh 
the appointed place, the congregation were gathered 
-and singing. This seemed to revive my mind some- 
what. As I passed on the singing ceased, and the 
voice of prayer was heard. When near the door, I 
could hear every word uttered in prayer. There was 



144 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 

a kind paragraph for the preacher, in case he came. 
The desire was that he might come like a cloud well 
filled with rain. 

After holding meetings for a while in the region 
where I lived, I felt that it was my duty to go out and 
sound the gospel trumpet among the nations of the 
earth, and invite poor sinners to God. As far as the 
means were concerned, I had no fears, — the Lord would 
provide. I went into the ministry without any selfish 
or sinister motive, thinking the good Lord would send 
the bread and butter down from Heaven, — could not 
tell whether he would spread it or not, but as that 
would be a short job, it would make but little difier- 
ence. I now consider it one of the worst errors I ever 
embraced, but for a long time I was firmly of the opinion 
that salaries and donations for ministers, were very 
wicked things. Very many were honestly of the opin- 
ion that if a minister received anything for preaching, 
he was a '' hireling," and the wolf would come and 
catch him and scare away the sheep. 



CHAPTER XIIL 

During the period just past, I had sold my house 
and lot at Kendall Hollow, and moved into the adjoin- 
ing town of Eeading, under the same roof with James 
Masters, who was my wife's uncle. Having arranged 
things satisfactorily for my departure, I started out, 
and soon found myself in a new settlement called Burt 
Hill, in the Township of Howard, Steuben County, N. 
Y. At this place I enjoyed the association of relatives 
and friends of other days ; as there were a number of 
families in this new settlement, who had recently moved 
from Eeading, but not an open professor of religion 
among them. There was a log school house, arranged 
quite nicely, for a new settlement like this. They got 
an occasional sermon from some minister passing 
through the place, and I think, previous to this time, a 
Baptist minister had preached there once a month for 
a given time. The settlers had often met and practiced 
singing under the direction of Edwin Gribbs, who had 
formerly taught singing, and this had not only called 
the people together from time to time, but had informed 
them otherwise, and many by this means had become 
good singers. 

At this place I gave an appointment, and the people 
generally came out as far around as it had been circu- 



146 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



lated. My earnest desire and prayer to God was, that 
he would revive his work in this place, and save per- 
ishing ones. This meeting was commenced in the fall 
or winter of the year of our Lord one thousand eight 
hundred and forty- two. I met a man here hy the name 
of Prentice, who for many years had been a professor ; 
was a member of the Baptist Church, and had formerly 
felt that he ought to preach. I could remember the 
time when my father, as Deacon in the Baptist Church, 
was on a committee to consider the propriety of grant- 
ing him a letter of commendation as a public speaker 
in the cause of the Great Master. This man had form- 
erly been unfriendly to the people called Christians, 
but at this time, and under these circumstances, he 
hailed me with joy, and took an interest in the meeting 
at once ; but his former anxiety to preach, and his pre- 
judice against the people with whom I was identified, 
caused me to be a little suspicious of him at first, but 
I was soon convinced that he now felt anxious to see a 
revival of God's work in this place ; and was ready to 
say, '^ Lord, send by whom thou wilt ; " and was will- 
ing to do all he could to promote a revival in this new 
settlement where he had been so long, with, at the 
most, but few to converse with who were in favor of 
the Christian religion. Melvin Gibbs, one of the lead- 
ing men in the settlement, was asked what he thought 
of the boy preacher. His reply was : '' He barks 
well for a whiffet, but will never tree anything in these 



I I 



O. R ALDERMAN. 



147 



woods." Moses H. Benham lived near tlie school 
house where the meetings were held, and as I had 
formerly been acquainted with him and his wife, it 
made me a pleasant and agreeable home. 

There was a small Christian society on the river, 
about three miles from this place, and as an invitation 
had been extended to me to come down there and hold 
some meetings, I sent down an appointment. Before 
going, I took a vote of the congregation, to know 
whether they wished me to return and continue the 
meetings there, and the vote being unanimous for me 
to return after filling the appointment on the river, 
appointments were left for meetings to continue over 
the Sabbath after my return. Benham had decided to 
walk down to the river appointment with me, in case 
I would come back with him after service, which was 
agreed to. There had just been a fall of snow about 
one foot deep, which made the traveling rather hard 
and unpleasant, but as we were both young and vigor- 
ous, we soon performed the journey. 

I w^as very tired when we reached our home, at a 
late hour in the night. We took from the shelf some 
pans of mush and milk, — I lay down upon the floor 
before the glowing fire in the large fire place, and there 
eat mush and milk until I was satisfied, — then soon 
fell into slumber, and when I awoke daylight was fairly 
upon us. As I looked around the room I was much 
amused to see a -oalf 's head through the sash of the 



148 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

window, looking in upon us. He was standing upon 
the bank beside the house and had put his head through 
the window, and could not easily withdraw it. He 
seemed to have no desire to enter farther, and there he 
stood, both in the house and on the outside, which 
caused a merry time with us. 

That evening we had meeting again. I was watch- 
ing every move, looking for favorable indications of 
revival. Melvin Gibbs, the man before named, was at 
the meeting every time ; would take his seat in front 
of the desk, fold his arras, and look at me as though 
he would look me through. One Saturday evening I 
went home with him. The following (Sunday) morn- 
ing, as I afterward learned, he sent a line to one of his 
neighbors, who expected him to work for him that day 

with his team, that there was a priest at his 

house, but he would be there to help him next Sunday, 
priest or no priest. The next evening he was,- as usual, 
looking me square in the face, as bold as a lion. Soon 
it seemed there was some object on the floor that at- 
tracted his attention. He looked down and around a 
little while, then put his head in his hands,, while his 
elbows rested on his knees. I was sure that, as the 
bow had been drawn at a venture, an arrow had pierced 
his soul, and I felt to thank God and take- courage. 
When the discourse was closed,. I remarked to the con- 
gregation that, for a few evenings past, I had, accord- 
ing to my ability, been telling them the story of the 



O. p. ALDERMAN. 149 

Cross, and trying to persuade them to break off their 
sins by acts of righteousness, and turn to the Lord 
with full purpose of heart, to escape the wrath to come, 
and lay up a treasure in heaven ; and now if there 
were any in the congregation who desired to be Chris- 
tians, and wanted to prepare to meet their Cod in peace, 
wishing the prayers, instruction and sympathy of the 
followers of the Lamb, there was an opportunity now 
to manifest that desire by rising up. Melvin Gibbs, 
the man who thought the v/hiffet would be unsuccessful 
in these woods, was fairly " treed," He arose, then his 
wife ; Edwin, his brother ; his wife, and a man by the 
name of Dixon ; five of the leading people in the set- 
tlement. I stayed with Melvin that night, who by 
this time, had fully given up the idea of working for 
his neighbor the next Sunday, and was now seeking 
earnestly for a new Master. 

These brothers lived near together, and there was a 
difficulty existing between their wives, who had not 
spoken together for a long time. This was made known 
to me by Melvin. The next morning he asked me to 
accompany him and his wife over to his brother Ed- 
win's. The meeting was a profitable one. The ladies 
soon talked over their matters of grievance, confessed 
to each other, and forgiveness was mutually asked. 
We then all bowed before God, and each one called 
vocally upon him for a forgiveness of their sins. This 
was a time long to be remembered ; God heard and 



150 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

answered ; the promise of the Saviour was truly verified 
that the '^ humble and contrite the Lord would not 
reject." That evening these friends publicly confessed 
the Saviour, and earnestly exhorted their ne-ighbors to 
" flee from the wrath to come/' — " lay hold upon eternal 
life/' and immediately make a start for glory. Many 
cried for mercy; some saying: "What shall we do 
to be saved/' and others : " Pray for me/' 

The thought rushed upon my mind, " Who is suf- 
ficient for these things?" I felt that I was not. A 
strange feeling came over my mind, and I began to 
doubt, as I had in other days. Felt depressed in 
spirit ; that conviction was resting upon me,, and that 
I had better go back and get endowed with wisdom 
from on high myself, before coming there to instruct 
others in the way of life, and pray that God would for- 
give their sins. The next morning I started for home, 
and soon after my arrival there, called on Elder Seth 
Marvin and related the circumstances of the meeting 
to him, then had the pleasure of hearing him call me 
Jonah ! " Why," said he, " you^ Jonah^you ! What do 
you mean by trying to flee from the presence of the 
Lord ?" then after giving me some good instruction, 
he told me to go back as quickly as I could, and go on 
with the meeting, — that Grod doubtless had a great 
work for me to do there, which no other one could do. 
Then he repeated, saying : "Go right straight back 
and stand at the helm yourself; listen not to the su gge&- 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 



151 



tions of the enemy. God's grace is sufficient for you. 
Other ministers will soon hear of this work and will 
be there ; use them well ; ask them to preach if you 
think proper, but do not give up the meeting into any 
man's hands." I still felt that I must have some one 
to help me, and called on Elder Ezra Marvin, who, 
after I had rehearsed the matter to him, said : " Why, 
Oliver ! You ought to have stayed there and done 
your duty. Return at once, and do the work God has 
given you to do. If I should go with you, perhaps, it 
would only embarrass you and put a damper on the 
meeting." All the encouragement he gave me was that 
possibly he would come out by and by, and preach a 
few sermons. I then went to see Brother Haynes, an 
unordained minister, — the man who was singing " Ba- 
bylon is falling," at the first meeting I attended at 
Hall's Corners. As he had been preaching much 
longer than myself, I thought he would do much good 
in the meeting, as he must be very competent. After 
telling him what had transpired at Howard and how 
things were looking there, he said he would go and 
help me ; that he was not just ready now, but requested 
me to go back at once, and go on with the meetings, 
and he would be there in a few days. I then returned 
to the scene of action. The work still went on, con- 
verts were multiplied, and I anxiously looked for Bro. 
H. to come. In about a week he was with us, and I 
did just as Seth Marvin told me not to do, — gave up 



152 . AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

the meeting at once, into the hands of Brother H. At 
this time there were some forty to fifty converts, and I 
felt sure the meeting would prosper with Brother H. at 
the helm. 

Bro. H. commenced preaching to the people, but to 
my sad astonishment, the interest soon began to abate, 
and the congregation to decrease, and Brother H. 
talked that the work was about done, and he would 
soon return home. One evening he took an expression 
of the congregation to see how many there were who 
had a hope in Jesus, and would try and meet him in 
heaven. ISTearly all arose. He then said that this 
work had been a good one ; that it was now about 
done ; that we must not expect Grod would convert 
everybody in one meeting. After the meeting closed 
he said one of us ought to be ordained, to qualify us to 
baptize these converts, and organize a church. I 
felt more like staying and enjoying a few more meet- 
ings, than like going home with him. Before the meet- 
ing closed, I gave notice that there would be a meeting 
the next evening. The next day Bro. H., after giving 
me good advice with regard to instructing the converts, 
took his leave. 

The meeting that evening was very interesting, and 
at the close the announcement was made that the meet- 
ings would still continue. The interest began to rise, 
the congregation increased, and converts were again 
multiplied ; and at the close of the seventh week from 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 153 

the commencement of the meeting, there were over 
one hundred who had made a profession of the Chris- 
tian rehgion. 

There were many interesting scenes during these 
meetings, which time and space will not allow here. 
One circumstance I wish to name, as it gave me in- 
struction with regard to the different styles of preach- 
ing to awaken different people. 

A Baptist minister called and spent a few days with 
me, and preached a few times. When I asked him if 
he would preach, he replied that he would if I wished 
him to, for he came on purpose to do his duty, and see 
this good work go on. He was very kind and liberal 
in his views, so much so that the question arose in my 
mind, whether he would have treated me thus kindly 
and christianlike, had I met him in' his own field of 
labor. Of course I could not answer this question, 
and at the same time, could not help thinking about it. 
The first sermon he preached I liked very much. The 
invitation was given, as usual, for those who desired 
the salvation of their souls, to come forward. There 
were five made the move, and I was well pleased, but 
the new preacher said this would not do at all. He 
went among the congregation and exhorted, threatened 
and pulled, until he got an addition of fourteen, mak- 
ing nineteen in all ; and succeeded in getting a promise 
from them that they would be Christians. I then 
thoua^ht there was too much artificial work about it. 



154 AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 

Early the next day we heard that one of them at least, 
was engaged in playing cards, which my former ex- 
perience had taught me did not lead to Jesus. The 
next evening he gave them a constant storm of fire 
and brimstone, and brimstone and fire ; and was suc- 
cessful in arousing one at least, to a sense of his duty, 
and he commenced a Christian life from that evening. 

A few days before the meeting closed, a messenger 
came and informed me there was a gentleman in wait- 
ing at Melvin Gibbs', who wished to see me, and that 
he guessed he was a preacher. I hastened to the place, 
and as I entered the dwelling, a tall, dark complexion 
man extended his hand and exclaimed : ''I have often 
heard of thee by the hearing of the ear, but now my 
eyes seeth thee. My name is Fleming, Eben Fleming." 
I felt that God had sent him to this place just when 
we needed him. We spent the afternoon together; 
and, to me, it was a rich repast. He preached in the 
evening to good acceptance ; stayed with me a few 
days ; gave us some good sermons ; then, by the mutual 
request of myself and the converts, he appointed a time 
when he would attend the ordinance of baptism, and 
organize a church. At the appointed time Elder 
Fleming returned, baptized the converts, and organized 
a church of nineteen members, which soon increased 
to over sixty. 

On my return home I was informed there was to be 
a two days meeting at Dundee, and that Brother 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 155 

Haynes was to be ordained. I was glad to enjoy such 
a privilege as this. The meeting was interesting and 
instructive. Elder Joseph Badger preached the sermon 
from the text : '' If I do this thing willingly, I have 
a reward." 1st Cor. ix : 17. The sermon was full of 
good instruction; and the exercises moved off very 
nicely. 

I held several other protracted meetings during 
the winter, and was successful in seeing stout-liearted 
sinners bowing to the mild altar of Prince Immanuel. 
As often as circumstances would allow, I preached to 
the young and vigorous church on Burt Hill for a 
few years, then left them and engaged in manual labor, 
to support myself and family. In those days, '' God 
bless you, — come again," was the Christian preacher's 
salary. 



CHAPTEE XIV. 

It was not long before the churcli of which I was a 
member called for my ordination, and, in the house 
where I first spoke in honor of the cause of God, I was 
set apart to the work of the gospel ministry, by the 
laying on of hands and prayer. The following cer- 
tificate will give the time, place, and officiating min- 
isters : — 
'^ To all to whom these presents may come : 

This may certify that our beloved brother, Oliver P. 
Alderman, was this day set apart as a Minister of the 
Gospel, and an Elder in the Christian Church, by us 
whose names are hereunto annexed. We therefore 
commend him to the fellowship and confidence of the 
saints wherever his lot may be cast. Eeceive him as 
becometh saints. 

Done at Tyrone, N. Y., this 17th of May, A. D. 

1846. EzEA Maevin, ] 

C. C. EoYCE, I Elders in 

B. E. HuED, Uhe Church." 

Benjamin Haynes, 

My labors up to this time, had been mostly in school- 
houses in the rural districts. Had been invited to 
preach at Dundee, but did not feel it my duty to ex- 
pose my ignorance in such a place, so I declined the 
invitation. 



0. p. ALDEEMAK. 157 

I now had an invitation to preacli at Enfield Center, 
where was one of the oldest Christian Churches in this 
region. The invitation was accepted and an appoint- 
ment sent. I trusted in God to help me in the discharge 
of this great and important duty, and went to the ap- 
pointment truly humble, feeling my inability and noth- 
ingness. Here I met for the first time an aged minis- 
ter by the name of Courrier. This was a trying time 
for me, as I knew this people had been favored with 
the best Ministeral talent in the Connection. Then to 
make an effort to preach in the presence of this aged 
minister, was embarrassing ; then the pulpit was so 
high, it seemed that I could not walk up that long flight 
of stairs. Brother Courrier manifested much love and 
Christian kindness toward me. I tremblingly followed 
him into the pulpit. Had never been in such a place 
as this before. 

After reading the scripture and giving out a hymn, 
I asked him to ofi'er prayer. How good he prayed. It 
seemed that he knew what I needed just as well as I 
did myself, and knew much better how to ask for it. 
After the second hymn was sung, I arose tremblingly 
and after ofi'ering some apologies, I named my text. I 
heard or fancied I heard the old veteran by my side 
lisping, ''Lord, help the youth to preach." I com- 
menced my discourse. My little bark once unloosed 
from its moorings, the clouds began to break, my little 
sail filled with a heavenly breeze, and away I went. 



158 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

The man-fearing and man-pleasing spirit had released 
its hold, and I felt that I was in a heavenly atmos- 
phere. The minister began to shout " Hallelujah," and 
my soul was filled with love for sinners, while portray- 
ing before them the beauty and glory of Him " who 
came up from Edom, with dyed garments from Boz- 
rah," and how the cross was stained with his precious 
blood. The congregation all appeared interested. 
When my discourse was finished and I had taken my 
seat, up jumped the aged minister, as brisk as though 
he had been but twenty-five, and began to give vent 
to his feelings. He seemed over-joyed that young men 
in the prime and vigor of life, were coming into the 
ministry, to take the place of those who must soon 
leave the work, and go to their reward. 

It gave me satisfaction to know that the people were 
pleased with my effort, which pleasure was freely ex- 
pressed, accompanied by invitations to come again. 
This, thought I, is a good day, — one of the green spots 
upon the earth. I now thought myself quite a preacher 
again, — large meeting houses and high pulpits are the 
places for me. I then " went on my way rejoicing." 

I was informed that we had a society on Wheeler 
Hill, not far from Avoca, N. Y., and that Elder C. D. 
Kinney was preaching there. I made it in my way to 
visit them, and learned, as I entered the neighborhood, 
that Simeon Wagner was the deacon, so I made my 
way to his house. I arrived there a little before 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 159 

night, — told them who I was, and that, if they desired, 
I would spend the Sabbath with them, and talk to them 
as well as I could. The deacon looked at me, and so 
did his wife, — then they looked at each other, — then 
out at the door, — then at me again. " You," says the 
deacon, " are a Christian Minister, are you ?" '' Yes 
sir, I profess to be." ''You live in Tyrone, do you?" 
'*' Yes sir, that is my home." '' You say your name is 

?" ''My name is Alderman." "Do you know 

Elder Kinney ?" "Not much acquainted with him." 
" How long have you been a Christian Minister ?" 
" Only a few years, sir." " Did you ever preach near 
here ? " "I presume Howard is the nearest point to 
this place." " There has been a great revival in How- 
ard for a few years past, were you there during the 
revival?" "Yes sir." "I can't now speak the name 
of the minister who was there, — can you give me his 
name?" "Yes, sir, his name is Alderman." "I de- 
clare, I guess it is. Are you Elder Alderman ?" "I 
suppose so, sir." " Yes, yes, wife, that is the name 
brother Towner gave us. All right ; glad you have 
come ; of course we will have an appointment out for 
you." 

I enjoyed a very good meeting with them, and they 
appeared much pleased with my visit, and the effort I 
made to preach. A few days later a gentleman called 
on me, saying his name was Kinney, and that he was 
a Christian preacher ; that the brethren on Wheeler 



160 AUTOBIOaRAPHY OF 

Hill were much pleased with my effort, and wished me 
to come again, and he had called just to form my ac- 
quaintance, hoping we might, in the future, be co-la- 
borers together. 

There was a man whose name was Towner living but 
a short distance from Wheeler Hill, a leading man 
among the Christians, who had often sent word to me by 
Abram Lunger, to come that way and call on him, as he 
was very anxious to form my acquaintance, and being 
-somewhat advanced in life, did not get from home much 
himself. On one occasion, accompanied by a friend, I 
passed near Father Towner's, as he was called, and con- 
cluded we would drive over the river and stay with 
him over night. I went into the house, while my 
friend sat in the buggy near by. As I entered the 
house the old gentleman was just folding a '^ Palladi- 
um." I bowed to him, then asked him if it would be con- 
venient to keep two strangers over night. He replied 
in a kind and friendly way that they had sickness in 
the family and it would not be as convenient then as at 
some other time, saying the family near by there would 
accommodate us. Thinking to quiz him a little, I said, 
'' What paper is this you are folding?" (taking hold of 
the paper.) ^' This," said he, '^ is the ' Christian Pal- 
ladium.' " "This is a little sheet published at Union 
Mills by the Christ-ians, is it not?" " No, sir, it is 
published by an association of Christians ^ I then 
asked, "Are you Christ-ians here ?" " Not Christ- 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 161 

ians, sir, — we profess to be Christians.'' '' Well, what 
do you Christ-ians believe in, any way ?" ''We be- 
lieve, sir, in being good and doing good." " That is 
all right so far, but do you not believe heresy, — that is, 
that Christ, the Saviour, is a mere man ?" " We do not 
believe heresy, sir, unless the Bible teaches it. As to 
Christ, we believe him to be the divinely commissioned 
Son of Grod." ''Well I would like to stay and talk 
with you about an hour." "I guess," said he, "that 
you think full as much of yourself now, as you would 
after talking with me an hour." We then parted, and 
as there was time to drive some distance before it would 
be necessary to put up for the night, I decided to go on 
and call on Father Towner on my return ; but we re- 
turned another way, and I never saw the good old man 
again. Before I passed that way again he had gone to 
meet his Judge. 

We drove to Brother Abram Lunger's that night, a 
distance of about five miles. I reported my call at 
Towner's, and Lunger said he was very sorry that I did 
not tell him who I was. Afterward some one said to 
Towner : " Elder Alderman called on you the other 
day, — did you have a good visit with him ?" " He has 
not been here at all, sir, — would like much to see him." 
" Why, surely he called a few evenings ago, intending 
to stay with you over night, — there was a gentleman 
with him." " Why, there was a fellow called here and 
gave me a ' blowing up' for taking the Palladium and 



162 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

being a heretic. If that was Alderman I am much 
disappointed in the man, — I took him to be a young, 
saucy, sectarian priest." 

There was an aged minister whose name was James 
Wekon, Hving in the Allen Settlement, some twelve or 
fifteen miles from Burt Hill, who occasionally visited 
the new church and preached some to them. We first 
met at Burt Hill. He was a kind and social man, — 
had been entangled with the doctrine of Universalism, 
and had not fully recovered, but we enjoyed a very 
good time together. The old gentleman said that he 
was poor as to this world's goods, and was thoroughly 
converted from the idea that ministers should receive 
nothing for preaching. I had investigated this matter 
some, and had about concluded that we did not rightly 
understand our Creed, upon this point. His wants were 
made known to the people on the hill, and were respond- 
ed to in a Christian-like manner. His sleigh was filled 
with grain, and such other articles as he needed. This 
was about the first time I ever knew any thing of this 
knid among the Christians. In one of Elder Ws ser- 
mons he told a story about a pig, which pleased the 
congregation much, and caused me to laugh aloud. 
After this, whenever we met, the first salutation was, 
■"Who killed the pig?" 

As often as I reasonably could, I would visit the old 
battle ground on Burt Hill. Various ministers preached 
there from time to time, — some good ones, and some 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 



16^ 



that ought to have been better ; but in the course of 
time that once vigorous church began to decline, and 
continued in its downward course till it, finally, lost its 
visibility ; but there is still a sympathy for Christian 
Ministers there, and a few brethren yet remain. 

There were a few good, substantial brethren who lived 
on Big Greek, about six miles from the Hill. Dea. 
Eben Mason and Jason Banger were the principal 
ones there, and they lived about two miles apart. I 
once called on Bro. Eanger in company with my wife, 
on our way to visit her uncle, who lived a few miles 
from Union Corners, in the town of Mount Morris. 
The weather was exceedingly cold, and one very cold 
morning we started on our way. We did not pass a 
village or tavern without stopping to warm. Several 
persons froze to death that day. When it was nearly 
night we concluded we had gone as far as we could, and 
would put up for the night. As I drove up to a 
tavern, the hostler was on hand to take charge of the 
horse, saying, ^' Will you have your horse put out for 
the night, sir ?" My reply was, ^' Yes sir." We were 
conducted to a nice, warm room, and expected soon to 
enjoy our supper and retire, — thinking we would drive 
to Uncle John's the next morning. The landlord ap- 
peared like a kind, sociable man, and commenced con- 
versation with me, first with regard to the coldness of 
the weather, then the distance we had traveled. I told 
him we came from Big Creek, in the town of Howard, 



164 AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 

tliat day, and found it necessary to stop very often that 
we migtit keep from freezing ; that we were on our 
way to visit an uncle; who lived a few miles from Union 
Corners, and near Byresville. Said he, ^' This is 
Byresville, — what is your uncle's name?" ''John 
Clark." " Is he a cooper ?" " Yes, sir." " Well, sir, 
he lives right in sight of this place. Come to the door 
and I will show you his house. To go around the road 
the way you will have to drive, it is about one mile and 
a half, but not half that distance to go across." This 
good news warmed and animated us so much that we 
talked of going on. "Certainly/' said the landlord, 
'' I would go, but get well Warmed befoi*© you start." 
The horse was ordered and we were soon at Uncle 
'John's, where we felt quite at home. 

The family, parents and children, seemed overjoyed 
at our arrival. Uncle was a Presbyterian, his wife a 
Baptist, and their oldest son, Nathaniel, was also a 
Baptist. I had learned there was a small Christian 
Society near uncle's, raised by the labors of Elder 
Joseph Weeks. I told uncle's family I thought I would 
spend the Sabbath with the little church there on the 
hill, and if they desired it, would preach one or two 
evenings. They replied at once that I could preach 
there the next evening,, which would be Saturday 
night, but thought I had better preach at Union Cor- 
ners on Sunday. " Yes," said Nathaniel, " we have no 
minister now, preach at our house for us." On Satur- 



O. p. ALDERMAN. 165 

day we made the arrangement that I should preach in 
that neighboorhood Saturday and Sunday evenings, 
and at the Baptist meeting house at Union Corners, on 
Sunday at eleven o'clock. Nathaniel said he would go 
down to the Corners early Sunday morning, and give 
out the appointment on the way, and as they were to 
have a sermon read that day, there would be a fair 
congregation. I suggested that we had better make 
no appointments at the Baptist house, until their dea- 
cons and leading men were consulted on the subject, 
knowing N. to be a good young Christian, who knew 
nothing about sectarianism, and might be wofully 
disappointed when he got down there ; but as uncle's 
family all seemed to think that the Baptist breth- 
ren would be so glad that some one had come to 
preach in their house, I thought I would not discour- 
age the boy, — that if he ran against a snag he would 
find it out himself, and would then learn something he 
did not know before. 

On Sunday morning, as soon as Nathaniel had eaten 
his breakfast, away he went for Union Corners, giving 
out the appointment that a cousin of his, who was a 
preacher, would preach at the Baptist house at eleven 
o'clock, and inviting all to attend ; then he hastened to 
inform Grrandfather Clark and Uncle James' families, as 
he knew they would all be pleased to hear Oliver 
preach. Then he went to tell the good news to the lead- 
ing members of the church, and here he found the 



166 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

^fsnag." We came down from Uncle's in time for 
meeting at eleven. Poor N. met us witli his head 
down, and said they had arranged to have a sermon 
read that day, and did not wish to change the order ; 
but some, he said, were in favor of preaching. 

The news being spread through the neighborhood 
that a stranger was going to preach, and one too who 
had been very wicked and wild in his ways, — a re- 
formed gambler, who had but recently come out on the 
Lord's side, called out a good congregation for the 
man to read to. Some were in attendance who 
seldom or never attended church. After the sermon 
was read, not in a very interesting manner, the 
reader remarked that his sermon was probably more 
applicable to the people over the ocean, some fifteen 
hundred years ago, than it was at the present time. 
Judging from its extreme dryness, I think it would 
not have required much stretch of faith to believe that 
it was originated before the flood, or even before there 
was a '' mist went up to water the earth." Before the 
meeting closed, a Mr. Chamberlin, one of the deacons, 
arose and said a request had been made for the pulpit 
to be occupied by a Christian Minister — a stranger — 
and for his part he would like to hear the stranger 
preach, if there was no objection by others. Another 
deacon, who was chorister and played the bass-viol, 
arose and asked if this was a Christ-ian Minister ; that 
if he belong to the Christ-ians, he thought they had 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 167 

better have nothing to do with him. Dea. Chamber- 
lain replied : '^ He is a stranger to me, but I understand 
he is in the congregation, and perhaps he will answer 
your question. If he is a Christian, that is enough for 
me. I would like to hear a sermon from him, that we 
may judge for ourselves of its merit or demerit;" then 
said there was an opportunity for the stranger to reply. 
I arose and gave a brief sketch of my short religious 
life ; that I professed to be a Christian minister, and 
belonged with the people who were sometimes called 
Christ-ians ; that for my own part, I was not at all am- 
bitious with regard to preaching in that house ; that I 
had made no such proposal, but had been invited thus 
to do, but did not wish to do anything to mar the peace 
of any of Chris ts' Little Ones. As soon as I sat down, 
Dea. Chamberlain said, " I make a motion that the 
stranger be invited to take the pulpit and give us a 
sermon, to commence within thirty minutes." The 
motion being seconded, the vote was taken and declared 
to be in favor of inviting the stranger to preach. He 
then asked if I would accept this invitation. On my 
replying that I would, he gave notice accordingly, then 
asked me to close the present exercises by prayer. As 
soon as the meeting was closed, the chorister shouldered 
his '' Big Fiddle," then beckoning to some of the choir 
to follow him, left with a look of sadness on his coun- 
tenance, and as though he would shake the dust off his 
feet as he passed along. The few who followed him 
were reported to be his children. 



168 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 

In thirty minutes T was in the desk ready to com- 
mence service, the congregation seemingly anxious to 
hear. Soon after I commenced my discourse, the Pres- 
byterian meeting, just across the road, was out, and 
people would stop and listen and peek into the house. 
The door being near the stoves, which were well 
heated, was opened for a little while, so that people 
could come in if they wished. They gathered around 
the door, some few venturing to come in, but seating 
themselves near the door and in a favorable position 
to jump and run, in case old " Cloven-foot " became 
visible among them. The" meeting closed with good 
feeling, as far as we could judge, on the part of those 
who had listened. Dea. Chamberlin was on the hill to 
the evening appointment, and urgently requested me 
to come back to Union Corners. A few days after I 
arrived home I received a letter from there, stating 
that Dea. Chamberlin had written a subscription to 
obtain my services there as a minister, had already got 
over two hundred dollars signed, and asking me, in 
case I would come, to name the amount of salary re- 
quired and he would raise it. My reply was, that I 
could not comply with their request. This subscrip- 
tion and salary business I thought was not in gospel 
order. 



CHAPTER XV. 

But to return to Big Creek again. I was afterward 
at Brother Rangers, who informed me that I had a 
friend in the neighborhood. I told him I hoped I had 
many. " Well, you have one lady friend here who says 
she knows you like a book, — that she has attended 
balls with you often, and danced with you many a 
time." "I guess/' said Ranger, ''you used to spark 
her." I asked her name. Pope, — Mrs. Tim Pope. 
After thinking a little time as fast as I could, I re- 
marked that I had no recollection of any such person. 
" You need not try to get out of this. Elder, for I am 
sure she is acquainted with you. She asked me one 
day if this Elder Alderman had any relatives in Tyrone, 
saying she used to be acquainted with a family there 
by that name, — there was one by the name of Oliver, 
— wrote his name 0. P. When I told her this was the 
very man, she exclaimed, ' Heavens to Jake ! ' if that 
fellow is a preacher I would like to hear him. I wonder 
if this is your Elder you talk so much about? Tell 
him. to come down here and preach once, and I will sit 
and smilingly look him square in the face." He then 
described her, in such a manner that I told him I 
thought her maiden name was Smith, that several long 
years had passed away since I last saw her, and I should 



170 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

be pleased to renew my acquaintance with her, and also 
form the acquaintance of her husband; she will make 
a good Christian when converted, nothing wrong with 
her only her wildness. Bro. R. replied, " When she 
is converted I think Big Creek will run up stream." 
'^ ]^o, sir, it will not change the current of the Creek 
at all, only make a new creature of her ; and I hope 
in a few months to see her, with others in this place, 
rejoicing in the service of the Lord; and I will now 
leave my first appointment, and as I have no time to 
call at Mr. Pope's now, give my respects to Margaret, 
and tell her I hope to meet her in the church, and also 
in Heaven." 

The time for the appointment at Big Creek rolled 
around. Deacon Russell took me down to the appoint- 
micnt, but we did not get into the neighborhood in time 
to make any calls before meeting. I was in the desk, 
and the congregation mostly gathered, when in stepped 
Margaret, with a gentleman who I supposed to be her 
husband. I noticed he had a singing book and took 
his seat at the head of the choir. He was an entire 
stranger to me. As soon as the meeting closed Mar- 
garet came forward to the desk and seemed much 
pleased that we had met again. After giving my hand 
a hearty shake she said, " You will go home with us, 
will you not? " I began to excuse myself by saying, 
I must go back on the hill with Dea. Eussell. '' No," 
said she, '' go home with us." By this time her hus- 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 171 

band came along and she gave us an introduction, with 
remarks that caused the bystanders to laugh, and I 
really thought it was enough to cause a preacher to 
smile. Mr. Pope repeated the invitation for me to ac- 
company them home, but I told them the nearest I 
could get to that now, was to give them a promise that 
at my next appointment there I would visit them. 

I preached there occasionally a few months, and ful- 
filled the promises I made to visit friends. At length 
I engaged in a series of meetings there, which resulted 
in much good. Mr. Timothy Pope, the Chorister, was 
among the first to confess the Saviour. He had once 
been a member of a Free- Will Baptist Church, but 
this was not known in this region, so he was not by 
the people there, called a Backslider, but a clever 
sinner. As soon as I became well acquainted with him 
I called him Tim, as that was my style when talking 
to my old friends. There had a few made a start and 
professors were getting awake, when I noticed Mr. 
Pope was quite serious. His efforts to conceal it were 
in vain. One evening he was absent, and fearing he 
had decided to stay away from the meeting entirely, 
the next day I called upon him. I saw at once that 
he was having quite a struggle. "Good morning, 
friend Pope ; we missed you at the meeting last even- 
ing, — hope you are not going to leave us when we are 
enjoying such good meetings." ''I hope not," said he, 
" but I am feeling rather poorly, — ^have not been well 



172 AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 

for several days, took some pills last night and hope to 
be better soon." Looking him directly in the face, 
said I, '^Tim, you never can work this off with allo- 
pathic pills. This is the kind of disease that is not 
cured by such means." ^' Why," said he, ^^do you 
know what ails me ? " ^' Certainly," said I, " and the 
great Physician is just at hand to cure you." ^' Do 
you think it is anything more than a cold settled in 
my head ? " ^'0 yes," said I, '' and you think so too. 
You would not take pills to cure a cold in your head 
would you ? " " Eeally," he says, " I don't fairly un- 
derstand what the ailment is, but think there is some 
disease hanging about me." '^ Yes, most surely there 
is ; and it has settled on your soul, and needs to be re- 
moved before it settles you to perdition. You are sick 
of sin, Tim, and Jesus, the great Physician, should be 
applied to at once." That evening he was at meeting 
and arose and confessed his wanderings, saying, 
" Father I have sinned against heaven, and now desire 
to return and take a servant's place." That was a 
good time, — we felt like killing the ^' fatted calf." 

I had told a number that I felt almost certain that 
Mrs. Pope would come forward before the meetings 
closed, but they could see no prospects of it. One 
afternoon, a few of us were visiting at one of the neigh- 
bors. Pope and his wife were present, and she was as 
full of Satan as any one could wish to be. She set 
forth the hypocrisy ' and wickedness of some of the 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 173 

preachers ; often referring to Little Jolin and others,— 
then the shortcomings, failures and weaknesses of many 
professors. How she did taken on. When out at the 
door, Dea. Mason said, '' Well Elder, what do you think 
of Mrs. Pope now. Do you still think she will be con- 
verted?" "0 yes, certainly. The devil knows his 
time is short with her, and he is using her to the best 
advantage he can." It was only a night or two after 
this, that she made the start ; and she came " like an 
army with banners." She confessed, cried, asked for- 
giveness of her friends, then of the Lord, and came out 
on the Lord's side, and was just as faithful for him as 
she had been against him. 

At this place I met a minister by the name of Eoot, 
who lived and preached at Howard Elats, and had oc- 
casionally preached at this point* Some of the mem- 
bers of his church lived in this neighborhood ; one 
deacon by the name of Pratt, a very worthy man* This 
point is five miles west of Howard Village, on the creek 
road to Hornellsville. This minister was an exception 
to all the ministers I ever saw. He seemed to be will- 
ing to work, but wanted to work for himself instead 
of the Lord. The first meeting where we were both 
present, he preached. His text was, ''Without me 
ye can do nothing," — -an excellent text when properly 
applied and understood, that without Jesus, who is the 
author of the text, we can do nothing ; but when we 
take Jesus out and put some conceited person in his 



174 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

place, it spoils the beauty and utility of the passage ; 
but when the speaker gives the people to understand 
that without him (the preacher) the people can do noth- 
ing, he becomes like '' sounding brass and a tinkling 
cymbal." 

He seemed disposed to find fault with all I said or 
did. One afternoon, at a convert meeting held at Bro. 
Eangers, in the presence of a number of converts, he 
arose and challenged me to debate with him on the 
Divinity of Christ. As I was sure I believed in the 
Divinity of the Saviour and supposed he professed to, 
the thought of the shepherds' stopping to engage in a 
conflict, when the tender lambs were bleating around, 
seeking for food, was to me, a very wrong thing ; and 
as we had never talked together on this subject, 
and therefore did not know our difference of views 
upon it, I thought that before we entered into any de- 
bate, we had better ascertain the real difference ; that 
we might know what we were debating about. I re- 
marked to him, that it would, in my opinion, be very 
improper to engage in controversy under circumstances 
like the present, that when we became better acquainted, 
and understood fairly the difference in our theology, I 
should be willing to debate those differences ; but, at 
present, thought we had better precede with the meet- 
ing, and do all the good we could. This talk awakened 
something of a feeling among the older brethren, but 
did not even phase the converts, who did not really un- 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 



175 



derstand that there was any difference of feeling be- 
tween us; but he seemed determined to have his own 
way in this matter, and acted as though everybody 
ought to bow to him. 

That evening before the meeting was closed, he said 
he thought one of us had better leave ; that one minis- 
ter was enough to carry on a meeting like this. I was 
satisfied he did not intend to go, so I proposed to take 
my leave, which seemed to be quite satisfactory to him. 
At this point, Dea. Pratt arose and said to him : '^ I 
think if Bro. Alderman goes, you had better go 
to." This remark from the Deacon did not seem 
to please him very well, but he told the Deacon 
that he thought the meeting had better go on, and 
he would stay and attend to it. It was evident the 
reverend gentleman was determined to have matters 
move to his own notion. I understood, by the way, that 
his great anxiety to build up a church here was, that 
they would support him ; as the church at the Flats 
had decided not to keep him much longer, and, as there 
was no church acquainted with him that would have 
him at all, he seemed determined to live on this inno- 
cent people. 

Up to this time the converts had been increasing, but 
it was now evident enough that the revival was as good 
as closed. I now decided to go, and leave him to enjoy, 
as best he could, the sympathy and charity of this 
kind hearted people. The parting scene was a tender 



176 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

one to me, for I loved those converts as I loved my 
eyes, and desired to see them settled and grounded in 
the faith once delivered to the saints, but it was evident 
that circumstances called for separation. Some of the 
converts requested me to come again and baptize them, 
and with the promise to do so, I took my leave for 
home, knowing I had a faithful reporter there, who 
would keep me informed of the way in which matters 
were moving ; but it grieved me to think that so good 
a work, so well begun, should cease on account of the 
selfishness and sectarianism of one person, but I applied 
the old proverb, that '^ what can't be cured must be 
endured." 

Very soon after I left. Elder Eoot appointed a two 
days' meeting to come off in about ten days, and gave 
public and general notice that, on Saturday there would 
be a church organized, or a branch of the Howard 
church would be formed at that place ; also, that the 
ordinance of baptism would be administered on the fol- 
lowing Sunday. 

The day for the meeting arrived, and Elder Eoot 
was on hand, accompanied by one of the deacons and 
other brethren from the village. The deacon came to 
read the Articles of Faith to the people, but more espe- 
cially, to the converts. There was a large attendance. 
Many wanted to see a church organized, and all were 
anxious to know who its members were to be. During 
the meetings on Saturday, the Articles of Faith were 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 



177 



read and explanations given, then the invitation was 
extended to all who were of this faith, to manifest it 
bv rising up. A pause ; none arose. The invitation 
was given again, that all might understand, but no one 
got up. Then farther explanation of the Articles was 
given; also, the object of organizing a church or form- 
ing a branch there, was set forth; but still no one 
arose. The Elder then spoke privately to one or more 
present, asking them to lead out and others would follow. 
Thanking him for the invitation, they replied that they 
were not of that ''faith and order." While he was 
smoothing down and explaining matters, the people 
thought it time to go home, and one after another left, 
until there were but few to enjoy the benediction. No 
church this time. 

Then the thought that an appointment for baptism 
the next day, had been given out in a flaming manner, 
doubtless rushed upon his mind; and as notice had 
been given at different points, the people would be out 
en masse, to witness the solemn ordinance ; but, as yet 
there were no candidates in waiting. The Elder spent 
the remainder of the afternoon in making calls among 
the converts, and requesting them to go forward in 
baptism. He finally persuaded two to let him baptize 
them without their joining the church, and with the 
privilege of joining any church they pleased. To this 
he consented, so the disappointment with regard to 
baptism, was only in numbers. The next morning was 



178 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 

calm and beautiful and the people came out to witness 
the initiation of the members of the new church, and 
had the pleasure of seeing two baptized, but not into 
the church. The Elder did not promise to continue 
his labors there. Thus ended this effort at organiza- 
tion. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Agreeable to a letter sent me, expressing the anxiety 
of my friends at Big Creek for me to return and at- 
tend the ordinance of baptism and organize a church, 
I went there again, enjoyed a few good meetings, or- 
ganized a church of nineteen members, and baptized 
eight converts, viz : Qorias Bennett, Kancy Ann, his 
wife, Margaret Pope, Silas Hurlburt, Huldah Burden, 
Susan Ranger, Mary Vangorden, and Mary Brown. 
Most of these ladies were in a delicate state of health, 
and some thought it presumptuous to immerse them 
while in such feeble health and at a season when the 
weather was so cold, (this occurred January 28th, 
1844,) but they all seemed to enjoy it, and the brother 
of one of them, who was rather opposed to his sister 
being baptized, was on hand with a carriage well sup- 
plied with robes, for the purpose of conveying her 
home immediately after baptism. She was the first 
female baptized, and although her clothes were frozen, 
she said she was not at all cold, and refused to go till 
the ordinance was concluded. Mrs. Pope also refused 
to leave the water side, but she gave a remarkable ex- 
hortation while standing on the bank of the stream, at 
the close of the ordinance. The following May I 
baptized three at the same place, viz : Cyrus Ranger, 



180 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

Louisa Miller and Ellen Halsey. On the third day of 
the next June, I baptised two in Thurston, viz : David 
D. Sanford and Sophia Cross ; also at Cameron, June 
13th, Sarah Osborn, Jane Cameron and Theodore 
Hawley. 

Corias Bennett kept an inn near the place of the 
meeting. His wife had become a happy behever in Christ, 
and a faithful Christian^ at the commencement of the 
meetino;. One or two of his sons had also made a start, 
and one Sunday morning, he arose in the congregation 
and expressed his determination to be a Christian. I 
went home with him that nighty and he, at once, re- 
moved all the liquor from his bar^ and fully decided to 
deal out no more death and damnation to the inhabi- 
tants of earth. The next morning the travelers and 
teamsters were calling for their morning dram, but in 
a kind and Christian manner, he told the people that 
he had closed that traffic, and had enlisted in a far 
better cause ; that he had decided now to live for Him 
who died for sinners, and expressed a desire to have 
them do the same. Some said that was right, and they 
hoped he would stick to it; while others ridiculed him. 
One fellow rode up in haste and said, '^ Bennett, I 
want some spirits this cold morning." "Well," said 
B.,, " the spirit of the Lord, I think, will do you more 
good than anything else on earth. I have given my- 
self to the Lord, and feel that it is good to enjoy his 
spirit." The man called Bennett a fool, and went on 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 181 

his way. I really thought Bennett had a cTOis to bear 
that many were excused from. To turn all at once 
and refuse those who had so long been his customers, 
required a firm decision of mind, but he had grace to 
sustain him. 

This man Bennett was the first one of the converts 
baptized. Others soon joined the church, and we en- 
joyed other seasons of baptism. These were days of 
great joy to me. I continued to preach at this place a 
portion of the time for three years. Some of the 
members soon moved away, and were the means of 
doing good in other localities. 

Through the influence of Elder Cowen Eoyce, the 
way was opened for me to visit the church at Sears- 
burg, Schuyler county, N. Y. I. made them a visit, 
and engaged to preach to them each alternate Sunday 
for one year. Although my new field of labor was a 
pleasant one, I feared my gift was not suitable for that 
point. My prayer was that I might faithfully dis- 
charge my duty to this strong and intelligent church. 
There were some noble brethren here who delighted in 
aiding and assisting their minister, and especially, 
one who was young in the cause. 

Searsburg is only tvfo miles from Enfield, the place 
where I enjoyed myself so well, and sailed so high, in 
the glorious meeting I enjoyed there in company with 
Elder Courrier. I felt sure I left a good impression on 
the minds of the people there. I looked upon Enfield 



182 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

as one of the green places of the earth. How often I 
thought of the good people there and the good time I 
enjoyed with them, and felt sure I was not forgotten 
by them. I decided that before my time was out at 
Searsburg, I would drive around by Enfield and make 
them a short visit. One Saturday when I arrived at 
Lewis Proper's, one of the deacons of the Searsburg 
Church, I was informed by him that a messenger from 
Enfield had been there after me, — that there were 
strong signs of revival there, and they wished me to 
come and help them, — to be there the next day if pos- 
sible, — if not, to come soon. "Yes, sir," said I, "all 
right. What did you tell them, Deacon?" " Well, the 
messenger was so urgent that I told him perhaps you 
might take up your afternoon appointment, and be 
with them Sunday evening. Then he said that he 
should venture to tell the people that Elder A. would 
be there Sunday evening.'' "All right, Deacon; thank 
you." I really felt much elated over this earnest invi- 
tation to hold a series of meetings at Enfield. Those 
spiritual and intelligent brethren at Enfield knew who 
they wanted, — of course they did ; and had hit upon 
the right man to accomplish the work before them, and 
I was ready and willing to help them. I have now 
only to attend Fellowship Meeting this afternoon, then 
preach to-morrow morning, and then will be on my 
way to Enfield. I only wished for the time to come 
when, in their pulpit, I would be preaching the ever- 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 



18^ 



lasting Gospel, — telling those truths that would awaken 
men, and make them wise unto salvation. What a 
good time we were to have at Enfield. I thought per- 
haps I might remain there some time, and would soon 
furnish myself with paper and envelopes, so that I 
could keep my family and friends informed of the pro- 
gress of the meeting, and let them know how fast con- 
verts were multiplied. 

As soon as the morning service was concluded on 
Sunday morning, with diligence I arranged to be on 
my way, — ate my dinner in a hurried manner, — seated 
myself on my sulkey, — drew up the lines, — ^' go it, old 
gray." I was in such haste that I had neglected to 
inquire the way to Enfield, but felt sure I had started 
in the right direction. I soon saw a man by the road 
side, and throwing my head a little back, I bowed as 
gracefully as I could, and asked the gentleman if he 
could direct me to Enfield Center. '' Yes, sir, with 
pleasure. At the first four corners, turn to your right; 
at the next corner, turn to the left ; and so turn right 
and left at each corner, till you drive into Enfield 
Center. You will go half round every man's farm 
between here and Enfield Center, or you can go east 
on this direct road until you come to a given point, — 
then turn to the right and you are on the direct road 
there." I thanked him and on I went, thinking he 
doubtless knew that I was a preacher of the Gospel 
from my general appearance. As soon as my horse 



184 AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 

could travel that distance, I was there. The sexton 
had the house well warmed, and was sweeping the 
stoop and getting every thing in readiness, for Elder 
Alderman was coming to commence a series of meet- 
ings that evening. My horse was cared for, and after 
resting a little and taking some refreshment, I started 
for the meeting house. On arriving there I hailed 
with joy a number of brethren who had just come 
down from Searsburg to listen to the demonstration 
which would be made at the commencement of an in- 
teresting meeting, which would doubtless result in a 
good revival. As I entered the meeting house I 
noticed it had been remodeled since my former visit, — 
the pulpit had been lowered so that a few steps only 
were required to reach it, — no trouble to ascend the 
desk now. I was soon in my place, ready for action. 
A large congregation had convened, all anxious to 
" hear that fellow again." The formalities of the ser- 
vice were passed, and I arose, and there I stood. Felt 
as though I would like to say something to interest 
the waiting assembly, but what can I say. It seemed 
that the darkness of Egypt closed in upon me so thick 
that it could be cut with a knife. Alas for frail man, — 
'' He that exalteth himself, shall be abased." Of 
course, I did the best I could, and sat down. 

The story of the Indian convert passed through my 
mind. It was noticed that this convert had a very 
good gift of interesting the people, and it was always 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. * 185 

expected when the Indian was present, that there 
Avould be a good meeting. The Indian had learned 
this fact, and had also heard that the people thought 
it would be his duty to preach. On a certain occasion, 
when there was a gathering for meeting, Indian re- 
marked, " Now all of you pray and talk. I will 
wait till the last, and we will have the best of the 
wine at the last of the feast ; for when Indian talk, 
power come." The meeting moved on, each one doing 
their duty. By and by, the time came for Indian to 
give them the ''good wine." The Indian arose and 
commenced his exhortation, but his mind was not very 
fruitful. His remarks were not very interesting, none 
seemed to be drinking the '^ good wine," rather dull 
time for Indian. He raised his voice, and slapped his 
hands, but all to no effect. Eaised his voice still 
higher, and began to stamp with his feet. All at once 
he sat down in haste, exclaiming : " Poor Indian lost 
his humble, — poor Indian got to go to begging again." 
I thought, " here too." 

After I sat down from my discourse, I gave liberty 
for remarks ; but concluded if they wanted a series of 
meetings they might get some other preacher, for I 
was otherwise engaged. Some of the brethren made 
interesting remarks, and talked that there was a pros- 
pect of good being done, but I could not ''see the 
prospect." After meeting was closed, Alson Guthrie, 
a brother from Searsburg, took me by the hand, say- 



186 • AUTOBIOGEAPHY. 

ing, '' Brother A., live this world right through to 
the end of life." 

I felt mortified and preplexed. Had a restless night, 
and arose while the bright stars were twinkling in the 
sky, and before the sun had peeped over the eastern 
hills, old gray was busy scattering her tracks toward 
Watkins. Thus, with me, closed the contemplated 
series of meetings at Enfield. I did not visit that 
place again very soon. 



CHAFER XVII. 

"While preaching at Searsburg, I was informed by 
Hena Jane, a daughter of Deacon Lewis Proper, who 
was, at the time, teaching school in a rural district, 
about five miles from Searsburg, that a sectarian dea- 
con with whom she boarded, was much opposed to the 
Christians, — called them by bad names, and said many 
hard things about them ; such as calling them white- 
washed infidels> and making other remarks about them, 
of a similar tenor. This grieved Miss Proper, for she 
believed the Christians were about right, and she was 
one of the number, — a member of the Searsburg 
Christian Church. Said she would be glad if some of 
our preachers could have a talk with this deacon ; or 
what would be still better, have one of them preach in 
that district, where as yet, no Christian minister had 
ever preached. My mind was somewhat stirred within 
me. I did not like to have men of high profession and 
sectarian notions, talk in that way to our young mem- 
bers, who were serving Cod according to their ability, 
setting good examples before the world, and enjoying 
the love of Cod in their hearts. Brother Totten, a 
member of the Searsburg Church, lived about four 
miles from the church and one mile from where Miss 



188 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

Proper was teaching, — lived in tliat district, and I 
think lie was a trustee. The next time I saw Brother 
Totten I asked him why he did not give me an invita- 
tion to preach in his school district, that I understood 
that no Christian minister had ever preached there. 
" Why," said he, " it is the greatest sectarian place in 
the world. They are all sectarians ; and rigid at that. 
No one there would want to hear a liberal gospel ser- 
mon." I told him I felt that I had a mission for that 
people, and if he would see that the schoolhouse was 
opened, and circulate an appointment, I would go over 
and give them a discourse. He replied, ^' You had 
better get your life insured, and make your will before 
you go." I told him to make the arrangements for the 
meeting, — I would take along a body guard sufficiently 
strong to protect me. The arrangement for the meet- 
ing was made, and at the close of the morning service 
at Searsburg, I gave notic6 that two weeks from that 
day, at four o'clock, P. M., I expected to preach at the 
schoolhouse in the district where Brother Totten 
lived. As soon as the meeting was dismissed, there 
was some little excitement among the brethren. Some 
said one thing and some said another. " "What do you 
think you are going to do in that sectarian hole?" 
'' We did not hire you to preach there." '' They will 
give you eels over there." " Whatever possessed you 
to think of preaching there ?" I replied that by the 
help of God I intended to preach the Gospel there, and 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 



189 



as for their giving me eels, that would please me^ as I 
was fond of them, especially when they were well 
cooked. I told them that I felt that I had a mission 
to the people there. '^Come, brethren, all go over, so 
if I am slain you can convey my corpse home for in- 
terment." I had no fear of harm, and felt that I 
should come through without " the smell of fire upon 
my garments ;"-— was only fearful that I might get into 
darkness and have another such time as I had at En- 
field ; but as that was so recent, I should be sure to be 
on my guard in this direction. 

The time for the meeting arrived and I was there, 
accompanied by Deacons Proper and Barber, also Alson 
Guthrie and others. The congregation was large, and 
I was confident I saw the man before me, who had 
talked so provokingly to Miss Proper. My trust was 
in Grod, and my prayer was that he would not leave me 
to myself, but to grant me grace sufficient to perform 
the duty now before me. I had previously learned 
that when I thought I could preach a great discourse, 
the Lord would let me try* If I was ever looked and 
squinted at by a congregation, this was the time. It 
seemed that they had been wondering what sort of 
looking creatures these Christ-ians were. Much to my 
satisfaction, I saw the brethren from Searsburg sitting 
across the house opposite me, with their heads up as 
though they had no fear with regard to the result of 
this meeting* They looked like strong men of war. 



190 AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 

Brother Guthrie's face was all aglow with the spirit of 
the Master. 

I read a hymn which was well sung, — Brother Guth- 
rie taking the lead. I then bowed before the Throne, 
and felt that God was near. After singing the second 
time, I arose, saying my text might be found in Joshua, 
22d chapter, 11th and 12th verses, and read as follows : 
''And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the 
children of Eeuben, and the children of Gad, and the 
half- tribe of Manasseh, have built an altar over against 
the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan, at the 
passage of the children of Israel. And when the 
children of Israel heard of it, the whole congregation 
of the children of Israel gathered themselves together 
at Shiloh, to go up to war against them." I noticed 
my Searsburg brethren all bowed their heads (as it 
were) in their hands. Whether they were going back 
on me, or praying for me, was more than I could tell ; 
but I thought perhaps they were fearful I was going 
to turn a summersault, similar to the exercise they had 
so recently witnessed at Enfield, but I had no fears 
now. Felt that my trust was in God, and that I was 
all right for the work before me. 

After giving a short historical account of the cir- 
cumstances which gave rise to the text, including the 
fact that before the whole congregation of Israel went 
up to war with the two and a half tribes, they sent up 
an embassage, — Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 191 

priest, and with him ten princes, to go up to the land 
of Gilead, and confer with these two and a half tribes. 
When they arrived there and made an investigation, 
they found there was no rebellion intended, — no depar- 
ture from God ; but, as Jordan was a border between 
them, '^ This altar is a witness between us and you, 
that the Lord is God." Phinehas then said to the two 
and a half tribes, '^ This day we perceive that the 
Lord is among us, because ye have not committed this 
trespass against the Lord." When the embassadors 
returned and reported to the whole congregation of 
Israel, they were well pleased ; and decided, at once, 
that they would not go up to fight them, — that the 
whole prejudice had arisen from hearsay ; — "And the 
children of Israel Aearc^ sayJ' 

I then remarked that I had the honor of belonging 
with a religious body, whose position with regard to 
the various denominations around them, was similar, 
at least, to the two and a half tribes, when compared 
with the whole congregation of Israel. And they had 
" heard say" that we denied the divinity of the Saviour, 
declaring that he was nothing but a mere man. Gave 
my views on this point. And then they '' had heard 
say" that we had no Discipline or Articles of Faith to 
govern us, — were like a ship on the broad ocean with- 
out either helm or compass, liable to be capsized any 
minute. Then gave my views on this point, including 
the fact that we had the best chart and compass in the 



192 AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 

world, as the Holy Bible was our rule of faith and 
practice ; — that it did not need to be changed ; — that 
no one could say of it that it is right now, but was 
wrong five years ago, — ^neither was it right five years 
ago and wrong now. I spoke of a large book, referring 
to the Westminster Confession of Faith, stating that 
perhaps the large volume had become obsolete, as I had 
not seen it for a long time, — that now-a-days, in its 
stead they used Articles of Faith in pamphlet form, — 
abstracts from the big book that was now out of sight, 
—and that those who subscribed to such Articles, 
would indulge in hard sayings against those of whom 
they knew but little or nothing. Here I intended to 
throw something into the stomach of the man who had 
found so much fault with the Christians in the presence 
of Miss Proper, which was the cause of our present 
meeting, that would cause it (his stomach) to heave. 
Think the design was accomplished. 

I then noticed everything I could think of that they 
had ever '^ heard say," such as our being White- washed 
Infidels, ignoramuses, and the like. By this time 
my Searsburg brethren had got their heads up, as 
though they feared no failure, and I closed my dis- 
course by exhorting them to investigate our principles 
and position, before they made war upon us. 

As soon as I said " Amen," I gave liberty for re- 
marks by any who felt interested in the meeting, and 
sat down. I noticed the old deacon who had been, 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 193 

indirectly, at least, tlie cause of our present gatlieriag, 
had been sitting quite uneasy, and thought that "speak- 
ing might relieve him." Sure enough up he got, pale 
and trembling, and said : "I am not for war, I am for 
peace." I responded, '^ Ainen." He then remarked 
that the book the speaker referred to had not gone into 
disuse, that it was yet on sale at a book store in Ithaca,, 
and if any one wanted to buy it he would get it for 
them. It was in my mind to tell him I guessed there 
was no one that wanted it. When he concluded his 
remarks and sat down, I said, " There is still lib- 
erty," and up jumped a man, who I learned was a 
Class Leader. He appeared somewhat excited, but 
very earnest, and exclaimed, "We are forbidden to 
run after the Lo-heres, and the Lo-theres," — that there 
were some who were going from place to place through 
the country, professing to be teachers in Israel, — • 
preachers of the Gospel ; and he thought no stranger- 
ought to be recognized as a minister,, unless he had 
credentials showing that he was a minister, belonging 
to some religious body or society. Said I, "Anion." 
After offering a few more remarks he sat down. I 
arose and told the people I heartily endorsed the senti- 
ment of the brother who had just spoken, — that every 
man professing to preach Jesus, should always be ready 
to show his standing at home, and also in the commu- 
nity w^here he travels, and as I was a stranger to many 
present, some one might possibly think the friend had 



194 AUTOBIOGEAPIIY OF 

reference to me ; that I was happy to say that I had 
my credentials; that I was preaching at Searsburg, 
only five miles from the place, and that if I behaved 
myself, I expected to continue my labor there until 
next April, — that my residence was about three hours 
ride from the place, and I would be happy to have any 
of the friends call on me at their convenience. Then 
after giving my views of the " Lo-heres and Lo-theres," 
I sat down, saying, ''There still is liberty." Then 
another man arose and spoke some words in a very 
hasty manner, but did not really say anything, — that 
is, I could not tell what he meant, only that he had got 
in a flurry and wanted to say something, but could not 
tell what. I began to think that I was in a peculiar 
dilemma, but must find some way out, and as soon as i 
the gentleman had freed his mind, I partially nodded to 
Brother Guthrie, as though I would like to have him 
, . speak. He immediately arose and quoted the follow- i 
ing words : " The spirit and the bride say come." He \ 
then gave one of the liveliest and best exhortations I | 
ever heard from his lips, and he was not slow in exhor- I 
tation. I then asked him to close the exercise by ! 
prayer, and I think he prayed the best I ever heard ! 
him. I then closed the meeting. There was at once I 
quite a confusion. It seemed they all wanted to say 
something, and were hurrying to speak first. I made 
my way out as fast as I reasonably could, to see if Bro. 
Totten's horse had been sheared durins; the sermon. 



il 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 195 

Out at tlie door I found I had one warm friend in tHe 
person of an Irishman, who said, '^An fath, and I hev 
niver heard the like since I left swate Ireland." 

We all got back to Searsburg without experiencing 
any damage. I soon received an invitation from some 
of the leading citizens there, to return and give them 
another discourse. To this I consented, and sent the 
appointment. The time within one hour for the ap- 
pointment had arrived, I was at Bro. Totten's house, 
and the rain was descending in torrents. I thought it 
imprudent to start out, but Bro. Totten said we must 
go, rain or no rain, it would not do to disappoint ; so 
after a little consultation, we went into the wagon barn 
and seated ourselves in the buggy ; then after prepar- 
ing ourselves as well as we could to face the storm, we 
started out while the rain was falling at a rapid rate. 
We soon came in sight of the place of meeting. The 
carriages occupied both sides of the road, the school 
house was full, and many were in the houses near by. 
I remarked to Bro. Totten, ^^ I guess there must be a 
large funeral, or something of the kind, to call this 
multitude together.'.' '' I guess," said he, " it is ' some- 
thing of the kind.' Don't think there is any funeral, 
but am sure there is much anxiety in the neighbor- 
hood." As we arrived at the place of meeting the rain 
somewhat abated, the people came from the houses near 
by with their umbrellas, and gathered about the house, 
making themselves as comfortable as possible for hear- 



196 AUTOBIOGEAPHY, 

ing. I took my stand near the outer door^ so tliat 
those on the outside could hear what I had to say. I 
gave them as good a spiritual and practicable sermon 
as I was capable of preaching, and at the close gave 
liberty for remarks. The Class Leader's wife arose, 
and slapping her hands, exclaimed, '' The old broken 
dishes are all mended up ! " then after giving a warm 
testimony in favor of the cause of the Eedeemer, she 
sat down. Others spoke and we enjoyed a good meet- 
ing. I was cordially invited to visit them again, but 
as it was not convenient, I declined, feeling sure that 
if any of our good members should teach school there 
again, they would not be continually harangued about 
the Christians being white-washed Infidels, and other 
talk of this sort. 

On the twentieth day of February, 1848, I married 
Deacon Lewis Proper to Mrs. ISTancy Horton. The 
wedding fee was a peculiar one. It consisted of a five 
franc piece, one half dollar, one twenty-five cent piece, 
a ten cent piece, one sixpence and a cent. I learned 
afterwards that the Deacon's money was missing, which 
caused him disappointment and a little excitement, and 
he handed over all he had, be it more or less. When 
the year closed at Searsburg, circumstances seemed to 
forbid my continuing there longer, and I bade the friends 
farewell, with the kindest of feelings which, I think, 
was mutual. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

About this time I received a letter from Elder C. D. 
Kinney, inviting me to attend a two days meeting at the 
Shingle Schoolhouse, in Cameron, Steuben county, N. Y., 
with directions, in case I accepted, to follow down Mud 
Creek till I came to its mouth, and then inquire for 
H. P. Clark, who was a carpenter and joiner residing at 
the mouth of Mud Creek, now Savona. I accepted 
the invitation, and in due time started on my way. 
As the day was drawing to a close, I arrived at Bro. 
H. P. Clark's ; found there was room enough for me to 
stay, and straw and provender was provided for my 
horse; I enjoyed a good night's rest and arose, fresh 
and vigorous, to enjoy the remainder of the journey. 
On Saturday morning we started out from Bro. Clark's, 
bound for the Shingle Schoolhouse. We pursued our 
course down the Conhocton Eiver about four miles, to 
a little village called Oampbelltown ; then we followed 
up Otter Creek four miles, to a small settlement called 
New Michigan. 

There we called at the residence of Bro. Edwin 
Merchant, who, together with his wife, were converts 
to the Christian religion, and kept a Pilgrim's Hotel in 
a mountain nest in this wilderness country. Bro.'M. 



198 AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 

Avas a very active business man, a blacksmith by trade ; 
also extensively engaged in the lumbering business. 
It was evident from the enterprise manifested, that the 
surrounding forest would soon give way. Those lofty 
trees would fall by the strokes of the axman, and 
fields of grass and grain would wave beneath the sum- 
mer breeze, while the little lambs would be playing 
upon the banks of the stream. Surely, thought I, this 
wilderness will bud and blossom as the rose, and sea- 
sons of happiness and joy will be experienced in this 
region. Bro. M. and his wife attended the meeting, 
which was six miles from their home. 

I enjoyed a good meeting with this little band of 
brethren, known as the Cameron Christian Church, and 
felt truly, that foreigners and strangers were made 
nigh by the blood of Christ. At the close of their 
meeting. Elder Kinney gave out the time of service 
during this meeting, and stated there would be a col- 
lection taken the next day, for the benefit of Bro. A., 
who had travelled so far to meet with them, and preach 
the Gospel of the Son of God to the people. Brother 
Merchant handed me a dollar, saying he was not sure 
of attending the meeting on Sunday, and in case he 
did not, his mite would be ready for the collection. I 
rather thought this was talking too much money for 
professors of religion, belonging to the Christian Church, 
but I had already begun to see the folly of my old fogy 
notion that ministers should not be cared for by those 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 



199 



to whom they preached the Gospel, otherwise I could 
not have stood all this. 

Sunday morning dawned upon us in its glory. 
Bright Phoebus shone o'er the landscape, the people 
gathered from the various points of compass to the 
house of worship, and I enjoyed a very good time in 
presenting the glorious truths of the gospel. There 
was a visible interest manifested in the congregation, 
and the people seemed anxious that I should remain 
with them a while, and continue to tell the story of the 
Cross. It seemed that there might be good done there 
if the meetings were continued, but as I had left my 
little son at home rather ill, and felt it my duty to re- 
turn home, I took my leave of these kind people. 
Having learned while there, that I was only eight 
miles from Bath, I returned that way and found the 
road far more pleasant. 

I arrived home on Monday evening, found my son 
was better, and my anxiety to return to Cameron in- 
creased, until I fully decided that as soon as circum- 
stances were favorable, I would return. Accordingly 
in a few days, I was on my way to Cameron, going by 
the way of Bath. I reached Dea. John Yost's, at about 
three o'clock P. M. He appeared very glad to see me, 
and an appointment was soon in circulation for a meet- 
ing that evening. The meeting was good. The meet- 
ings were continued there, the most of the time evenings, 
for about five weeks. We also enjoyed a goodly num- 



200 , AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

ber of meetings in the day time. There was a good re- 
vival. Among the converts was a Miss Chapman, daugh- 
ter of the late Elder Chapman, We enjoyed some good 
seasons of baptizing. At the urgent request of the 
friends there, I engaged to preach to them once a month, 
for one year. Elder C. D. Kinney was preaching 
there every fourth Sunday, and the people were much 
pleased to have preaching semi-monthly. 

I soon received an invitation from Bro. Merchant, 
who was a committee for that purpose, to furnish them 
preaching once a month in Thurston, an adjoining 
town, and not so far distant as to make it inconvenient 
to supply both places the same day. The Thurston 
church, or what was then called the Bath and Thurs- 
ton church, held their meetings on the hill known as 
the North Settlement or West Hill. I decided to make 
them a visit with a view to preaching as they requested, 
in case proper arrangements could be made, with 
which the parties would all be pleased. Accordingly 
an appointment was made. I was to attend the fellow- 
ship meeting on Saturday, preach to them on Sunday 
morning, then filh my appointment at Cameron in the 
afternoon. The place of the meeting was four miles 
from Mud Creek, where Bro. Clark lived. On Friday 
afternoon, as I was going up the hill from Bro. Clark's, 
I became lonely and homesick. It seemed to me there 
was nothing for me to do in that wild region of country, 
but as I came into the settlement, the prospect ap- 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 201 

peared a little fairer ; yet I spent rather a lonely niglit 
at the residence of a brother who lived about one mile 
from the place of meeting. At the time appointed, I 
met a few brethren and sisters, but as they were all 
strangers to me, I did not feel much at home. Bro. 
Merchant and his wife were members of this church, 
and lived about three miles distant in the valley below. 
They came into the neighborhood, though not in time 
for meeting, but in time to somewhat cheer my droop- 
ing mind. On Sunday morning there was a good, in- 
telligent congregation, and I enjoyed a good time in 
holding forth the truths of the Gospel. There were a 
few good working Christians there, and during a series 
of meetings held there, much good was done. We en- 
joyed a season of baptism, and some were added to 
the church. 

The settlers there were anxious to have me buy a 
lot of land and move among them. I told them I had 
not the means to purchase. They made good promises 
that they would assist me in clearing up a lot, and 
would also help me to build a house, but I had little or 
no idea of becoming a permanent resident of this 
country, — did not even feel disposed to look at lots 
that were then for sale, as I did not think it best to 
contract a debt in this new country. One morning 
after staying over night with one Wm. Cross, Levi 
Peters came in with a hasty step, and informed me that 
a man on a lot joining him was determined to sell, — 



202 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



that lie had chopped a nice fallow, and made quite an 
improvement, and would sell his interest in the lot for 
twenty-five dollars, — that it was worth much more than 
that, and was a fine chance for a bargain. The land 
would then stand at five dollars per acre in the Land 
Office, if I had not the money he would advance it, 
and they would make a logging bee, and soon fit the 
fallow for the seed. "Well," said I, " go ahead," then 
away he went like a man fleeing for his life. The Ar- 
ticle was assigned to me, and the assignment consented 
to by the Land Office. 

Notice was soon given that there would be a bee to 
log up the Elder's fallow. Nearly all the settlers were 
on hand, and the way those logs were rolled together, 
was on the plan of doing every thing in one day ; but 
the day was not long enough to complete the job, al- 
though a large portion of the logs were rolled together. 
A few days later, over came the brethren and friends 
from Cameron, with several yoke of good oxen, and 
men enough with strong muscles, to keep the teams a 
moving, and the remainder of the logs were soon rolled 
together, a place cleared off" to set a dwelling, and a 
cellar commenced. One of the brethren from Cameron 
said he had a house that he would give me, or at least 
charge but little for, — that it would furnish some doors, 
windows, lumber and nails. This building was taken 
down and the most of it moved over. The other lum- 
ber was gathered from the adjoining neighborhood, a 



_^J 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 203 

fair share of it coming from Bro. Merchant's sawmill ; 
which, although only three miles distant through the 
woods, had to be drawn about seven miles over quite a 
rough road. Bro. H. P. Clark was a house builder, 
and said he would go ahead with the job. The next 
time I visited the place, a frame was up and partially 
enclosed. Bro. Clark said he would now have to leave 
for awhile and do other work, as he had a note in the 
bank, which would be due in about thirty days, and 
that thirty-four dollars of the money was yet unprovi- 
ded for. After having learned the exact time the note 
would mature, I noticed it was beyond my next ap- 
pointment at this place. I then said to Clark, ^' Go 
ahead with the house and trust in the Lord for your 
pay, and in case he fails you, I will see that you have 
enough to pay your note." He proceeded with the 
building, and was so earnest in the matter that on find- 
ing that he lacked six strips of siding to finish enclosing 
the building, he carried them on his shoulder three 
miles, from Bro. Merchant's sawmill to where he used 
them. 

Our new house was now nearly completed, or at least 
in good condition to receive a family, and now we were 
to leave the pleasant valley of Altay, with its loved 
associations and familiar scenery, and the resting place 
of loved ones who had departed this life. My mother 
had been laid away in the cold grave ; our little chil- 
dren were sleeping side by side in their narrow beds in 



204 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



the same cemetery. Many hallowed associations clus- 
ter around the mind, when about to leave the place of 
our* spiritual birth, and many tried friends, to sojourn 
with strangers, in a strange land. 

We took our departure from Altay, and were soon 
settled in Thurston, surrounded by many warm hearted 
friends. Here I endeavored as much as in me was, to 
preach the Gospel in this locality, and found as in other 
days, that the Lord was a present help in time of need. 
This region of country was something of a wilderness, 
and we were looking forward to a time when it would 
bud and blossom as the rose. 

Our Fellowship Meetings were statedly on the hill 
in the immediate neighborhood where I now lived. I 
was satisfied that as the tall beeches and sturdy hem- 
locks gave way, and grass and grain were waveing o'er 
the landscape, that a village would appear in the val- 
ley below, and doubtless in the neighborhood where 
Bro. Merchant lived. I well knew his activity in the 
cause of the Eedeemer, and the scenes of past days 
were fresh in my mind, especially the visits I made 
him before moving to this place. He was always 
pleased to see me when I called, and about the first 
question was, ^^Will you preach for us to-night?" 
'^ Yes, if an appointment can be circulated." '^ Well," 
says Bro. M., ''I can soon give notice of preaching to- 
night," then away he would go, up the road and then 
down, till all in the immediate neighborhood were no- 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 205 

tified. Let tlie notice be ever so short, tlie citizens 
would be out to meeting almost to a man, and we 
would have a good time. 

Soon after we were fairly settled, I suggested the 
idea of moving our Fellowship Meeting to New Michi- 
gan, thinking there was the place to unfurl the banner. 
The friends on the hill seemingly with one consent, 
joined in opposing this arrangement. I finally gained 
consent from the brethren on the hill to have one-half 
of our regular meetings, both preaching and Fellowship 
Meetings, in the valley. As the population increased 
the people came flocking down from the surround- 
ing hills, so that we had a fair congregation and pros- 
pered very finely. Bro. Merchant was appointed dea- 
con, and our prospect was fair to see the wilderness 
blooming. 

The Tioga Eiver Christian Conference, of which our 
church was a member; was then in its infancy, with 
only one meeting house within its bounds, and not 
more than five or six ministers, I having united with 
it at its annual session held at Avoca, N. Y., October 
7th, 1846. Its next annual session was to be held at 
Springwater, Livingston County, N. Y. Dea. M. and 
myself attended as delegates. We enjoyed a very 
pleasant meeting, and when the time came for locating 
the session for the next year, we invited them to 
Thurston, and a resolution to this effect was offered. 
This met with opposition. Eld. Haynes, a member of 



206 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



Conference, asked if we liad a Christian Meeting House 
at Thurston. '^ISTo/' was the reply. He then asked 
if the inhabitants there were rich. The answer was, 
"Not wealthy, but able to sustain the Conference." 
Eld. H. then remarked that he thought it proper to 
have our conference session held where we had proper 
places for worship, and where the people were able and 
willing to sustain them, for when he went to conference 
he wanted enough to eat. Some one remarked that he 
could carry a little bread and butter in his pocket. 
The motion to have the next session at Thurston was 
then withdrawn. Eld. H. then made a motion that the 
next session be held at North Chemung. I took the 
liberty to ask if we had a meeting house there. The 
reply was, "Well no, we have no meeting house there." 
I then asked if the people there were rich. He did 
not readily want to say that they were, but thought 
them able to sustain the conference. The question was 
called, motion put and lost. Then another place was 
named and its claims argued, the questions being asked 
and answers returned as before. The question was 
then decided by vote and declared lost. Eld. Jabez 
Chadwick then arose, and said that he would now re- 
new the motion to have the next session of conference 
held with the church in Thurston,^— that he had been 
there and felt sure that it could, and would be well 
sustained,— that Dea. Merchant was able to do that, 
and Bro. A., who was now their preacher, did not look 



O. p. ALDERMAN. 



207 



as thougli he had been starved. The motion being put, 
was carried by a large majority. 

The Conference being closed the deacon and myself 
wenied our way home, talking over the scenes and de- 
cisions of conference, and thought it would be very nice 
if we could have a meeting house in readiness to enter- 
tain the conference the coming year. I asked the 
Deacon if he supposed we could build one. As he is 
one of those who never says we can't, he replied, " Yes, 
of course we can." "How much will you give. Dea- 
con ?" " Fifty dollars to commence with, and more if 
necessary." 



CHAPTER XIX. 

After our return home we looked over the ground, 
talked up the matter some, and got up a subscription, 
which was freely circulated among the people. The 
sum and substance of the instrument was as follows : 
" We, the undersigned, promise to pay the sum set op- 
posite our names for the purpose of erecting a house of 
worship to be located on Otter Creek in the Town of 
Thurston. Said property to belong to the Christian 
Church and to be free for the use of other religious 
denominations when not occupied by the Christians." 
Deacon Merchant signed fifty dollars; his Brother 
William, who was not a professor, signed fifteen dollars, 
and I signed ten dollars. It then dropped down to 
five, to three, to two, then to one dollar, then 
down to fifty cents, and also to twenty-five cents. The 
subscription was a long one,— one man said it was as 
long as a shooting match. It reminded me of some of 
those long dull sermons, such as we sometimes listen 
to, which are all long and of but little depth. Almost 
every one in this region signed it. 

The land in this town was mostly owned by a Mr. 
Thurston, who resided in the eastern part of the State. 
A large portion of the settlers held their land by Arti- 
cles of Agreement, with only small payments made, 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 



209 



and much land yet remained in the office on sale. The 
thought occurred to me that perhaps Mr. Thurston 
would help us about building a meeting house. I in- 
quired of nearly every settler in the valley if Mr. T. 
v/as a professor of religion, but no one knew. I was 
informed that while in this region he made his home 
with John Oorbitt, who resided on the hill near where 
I lived. After talking a little while with Mr. Corbitt 
with regard to Mr. Thurston, he informed me that Mr. 
T. stopped with him while in the settlement. I then 
asked if Mr. Thurston was a professor of religion. The 
reply was that he did not know ; not being a professor 
himself he had not conversed with him on the subject. 
I then called on Mr. Howell, the land agent at Bath, 
who executed his Articles of Agreement, attended to 
the sale of lands, and transacted his business generally. 
From him I learned that Mr. Thurston was a Friend 
or Quaker. I stated that the reason why I made this 
inquiry was that we wished to build a meeting house 
over on Otter Creek, and we thought perhaps Mr. 
Thurston would feel somewhat interested in such an 
enterprise himself, and be disposed to aid us a little. 
Mr. Howell said he did not know what Mr. Thurston's 
views on such an enterprise would be, but, if we v/ished, 
he would drop a line to Mr. T. on the subject. Soon 
Mr. Howell reported the reply of Mr. Thurston, which 
consisted mostly of inquiries. First, he wished to know 
the sentiments of the church proposing to build the 



210 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

contemplated edifice ; then the style, size and probable 
cost of the same. I made a diagram of the contem- 
plated building, taking particular care to notice that 
we did not intend to have a steeple, that the work was 
to be done in a plain manner, that the house was to 
be free for other religious denominations when not oc- 
cupied by the Christians ; also, that the Christian 
Church fellowship all the followers of the Lamb, all 
who give an evidence of their acceptance with G-od ; 
that the Bible is its only rule of faith and practice ; 
that its members are not required to subscribe to any 
creed written by fallable man, and that Christian char- j 
I I acter, and not opinion, is its test of fellowship. I also i 
I I stated that the building could probably be erected for ! 
about six hundred dollars. This statement and dia- 
gram were sent to Mr. Thurston, who immediately di- i 
rected his agent to pay seventy-five dollars to the i 
Building Committee, whenever three responsible per- ! 
sons would sign an agreement that such a house should j 
be erected at the place named, and paid for, and owned ; 
by the Christian Church. E. Merchant, H. P. Clark, j 
and myself signed an agreement that it should be thus I 
done, and received the seventy-five dollars, which ^ 
amourit was sufiicient to buy the nails, glass, and such • 
other things as we would have to pay money for. i 

The citizens were now quite enthusiastic. The brave ! 
fellows shouldered their axes and pulled out for the 
woods on " double quick time," headed by H. P. Clark. 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 



211 



Such trees as would make the proper timber were 
pointed out, and they were felled at once ; and soon the 
round tree was converted into square timber, ready to 
be conveyed to the place of erection. 

On Thursday evening, Deacon M. called at my resi- 
dence on the hill, and asked if they had better raise the 
meeting house the next day. My reply was, '^ Yes, if 
it will be ready." The Deacon then said that they 
could have it ready to put up by ten or eleven o'clock, 
but some thought it had better be deferred, as Friday 
was an unlucky day, and there might be some one 
killed if they undertook to raise on that day, and there- 
fore they thought best to defer it till Saturday or Mon- 
day, while others were anxious to have it go up at once, 
that they might proceed with their work ; ^^ and they 
have all agreed to leave it to the Elder to decide." I 
told the Deacon to tell them my decision was to put it 
up as soon as it was ready to raise, — to not be hasty, 
but careful, and no one would be killed because it was 
Friday ; while it was possible that if they raised it on 
Saturday or Monday, there might be a number killed. 

The frame v/ent up on Friday, April 30, 1852, and 
no one was killed nor hurt. The work progressed rap- 
idly until the lath was ready for the mortar, and the 
mortar w^a.s prepared and ready for the lath. Now 
came the first disappointment. The masons who were 
expected to do the work were not ready, as they did 
not expect to be called on so soon and could not leave 



212 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

the job upon wliich they were now engaged until it 
was finished, — must finish that job first. This would 
not answer our purpose as^ we were decided that this 
work must be doi\e at once. Clark said he would start 
out after a mason, and would not return until he 
brought one with him. I had done something in the 
line of lathing and plastering in past days, and decided 
I would help the mason do the job. The next day the 
news came that Clark had returned with a mason, a 
first rate workman. He had; for a number of days, 
been off ^^ on a drunk," but would be ready to com- 
m.ence spreading the m_ortar the next morning ; accor- 
dingly I went down to the valley to assist in putting 
on the wall. I was informed that he looked rather 
tough just now, and when I saw him I thought he did 
look " rather tough." Such a looking mason I never 
saw before. One would suppose that he had been " on 
a bender," and was pretty well bent still. His coat, 
pantaloons and boots, all showed the effects of a bender, 
and the rim of his hat was pretty much bent off. He 
had doubtless bent his elbow many . times during the 
past week. There seemed to be no way to expedite 
the job only to do the best we could with this poor fel- 
loAV, vrho had become a victim to rum. He appeared 
in fear while ascending the scaffold, as though he real- 
ized that he might fall and drop into eternity while un- 
prepared to meet his God. Perhaps his engaging in 
work in a buildino; to be dedicated to the worship of 



0. P, ALDEEMAN. 213 

God, and associated with a minister in his work, caused 
him to realize, to some extent, the dangerous position 
he now occupied. I pitied the poor fellow. 

But little plastering was done that day. The next 
day the mason was in better condition for work, the 
lath were rapidly hid, and soon completely covered 
with mortar. The second and finishing coat was soon • 
appHed, and the scaffolds were turned out of door to 
make room for the pulpit and pews, which were soon 
found in their proper places. 

About six weeks had rolled around from the time 
the axes were carried to the woods upon the shoulders 
of our active and athletic men, when the house was 
ready to be dedicated to the worship of God. The 
dedication day was June 27, 1852, — one week previous 
to the annual meeting of the Conference. It was a day 
of great interest to the citizens of the place and vicin- 
ity. The good Lord blessed the first sermon preached in. 
the new edifice, and there began to be an awakening 
among the people. 

After the dedication services were concluded, we en- 
joyed a sort of wedding feast. Mr. Oliver Burley and 
Miss Jane Hall stood up in the midst of the crowded 
assembly and were united in lawful matrimony. The 
audience were much pleased with the opportunity of 
attending a wedding so unexpected to the assembled 
multitude. This marriage v/as blessed with the pres- 
ence of the Saviour, as was the marriage at Cana in 



214 AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 

Galilee, altliougli the Saviour was not present bodily, 
neither was the water turned into wine. 

On the fifth day of July, in the year of our Lord one 
thousand eight hundred and fifty-two, the Tioga Eiver 
Christian Conference assembled at our place to enjoy 
their annual feast. Surprise was manifested by many 
when they found so comfortable a place to hold their 
annual session, and provision enough to feed, the mul- 
titude. All parties seemed to enjoy themselves, — the 
preaching was good and the meeting left an excellent 
influence. The following Sunday evening there was a 
great interest in the meeting and at the close, I ex- 
tended the invitation to those who wished to become 
Christians, and desired the prayers and sympathies of 
the people of Cod, to arise in the congregation. A 
number arose. I then invited all who felt the need of 
salvation and were willing to give their hearts to God 
and obey his commands, to come forward. Nineteen 
presented themselves at the altar of prayer. We had 
a weeping and a rejoicing time. 

At this time the field on the hill, which had been 
cleared the year before, was waving with beautiful 
wheat, white and ready for the harvest. A barn frame, 
excepting the rafters, had been raised the day before, 
and I felt it my duty with all diligence to finish the 
barn, that the crop might be put therein, and thinking 
it impracticable to hold a series of meetings at this 
time, I left an appointment for the next Friday even- 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 215 

mg, as I could attend it on my way to Cameron, as our 
Fellowship Meeting was there the following Saturday. 
I stopped that night with William Merchant, who was 
one of the number who arose and came forward to seek 
salvation. His wife was a widow before he married 
her, and as her first husband was a Methodist minister, 
she had had some experience in revivals of religion. 
She said I ought to continue the meeting, and had neg- 
lected my duty in not leaving an appointment for the 
next evening. I reminded her of the field of wheat, 
the first I had ever raised, now already to harvest, and 
no barn yet completed to store it in, — that it was my 
duty to hasten home and prepare the rafters for their 
proper places on the plates, — that God had blessed me 
with a good crop of wheat, and it was my duty to take 
care of it. She remarked that God had caused the 
wheat to grow, and there would be some way provided 
to secure it; that it was my duty to continue the 
meetings here, and if I did not she believed the judg- 
ment of God would rest upon me. I remarked to her 
that I hoped she would not frighten me, for I did not 
feel well when I was scared, — that I felt a conscience 
void of offence in attending to my temporal affairs, 
especially under the present circumstances. 

The next Monday morning I returned home with 
dispatch, and hastened to prepare myself for the work 
I had to do. I was soon engaged in preparing a scant- 
ling for its proper place. I gave it a few clips with 



216 



AUTO BIO GEAPHY OF 



tlie adze, and tlien gave one of my limbs a chip, which 
caused some pain, and the blood ran profusely, — was 
sure that my days' work on the barn was done. I 
thought at once of the expression of Sister Merchant : 
'' It is your duty to continue the meetings." The wound 
Avas so severe that a physician was called, who dressed 
the limb, remarking at the same time, that it was 
rather an unfortunate stroke, but I might feel thank- 
ful that it was no worse ; at the same time informing 
me that a few weeks would pass before I could engage 
in manual labor again. 

The next day the friends came up from the valley, 
put up the rafters and nearly covered the frame, both 
roof and sides. They all seemed anxious for the meet- 
in q^s to continue, and an effort was made to obtain the 
services of a Christian minister to hold a series of 
meetings, but in vain. Christian ministers were not 
very plenty in this region at that time. Then an effort 
was made to get a Methodist minister, but to no effect, 
then a Baptist, which also proved a failure. In about 
ten days I was able to get about , with the aid of 
crutches, and thought that I would ride down to the 
valley and raise my voice in warning sinners to flee the 
vrrath to come. I think I felt something as Jonah did 
when God called him the second time to go to Mneveh 
and do the preaching that he was bid to do, — tell the 
})eople that in forty days their city should be over- 
thrown. He thought he would not make another effort 



0. p. ALDERMAK 



217 



to run away from tlie presence of the Lord, but would 
now do as God had commanded him; so I now felt 
that I would faithfully declare the truths of the Gos- 
pel to this people. When I reached the valley all 
seemed much pleased, — an appointment was soon circu- 
lated, the people gathered together, and upon my 
crutches I entered the pulpit, and began to invite sin- 
ners to God. Those who started a few evenings pre- 
vious, were soon enjoying the Christian's hope, and 
"were active in exhorting their friends to forsake sin 
and seek the salvation of their souls. The work was 
revived and went on until nearly all the citizens be- 
came interested, and many hopefully converted to God. 
Notwithstanding the hurrying season of the year, peo- 
ple being engaged in ha3dng and harvesting, they 
could find time to attend meeting, and exhibited a dispo- 
sition to do so. Some farmers living several miles dis- 
tant, would draw hay and grain during the day, and 
then come to meeting in the evening with their hay 
riggings as well filled with people as it had been with 
grain during the day, and all seemed to enjoy the meet- 
ings well. 

After the meetings had been in progress a number of 
weeks, I thought it might be best to discontinue them 
a portion of the time. I therefore appointed a prayer 
meeting at a private dwelling, partially for the pur- 
pose of ascertaining the real interest there was in the 
community. Some expressed their dissatisfaction at 



:i8 



AUTOBIOGRArnY OF 



moving tlie meeting to a private dwelling so near the 
meeting house, but the house, yard, and road, were 
all filled with people anxious to engage in religious 
service, so I became satisfied we had better continue 
the meetings at the meeting house, and did so for 
several weeks longer, while the good work move on. 
We enjoyed some precious seasons of baptism, and 
many were added to the Church. 

ISTearly every family in the community attended 
meeting every Sunday, and all lived in love and union. 
No contention arose until human creeds and disci- 
plines vv^ere introduced among the people. Then dis- 
cord appeared and sectarianism began to raise its 
deformed head where love and union once prevailed. 
I was laborino; on and doina; the best I could in the 
Master's cause, supposing I was enjoying the confidence 
of the entire community, when one day Bro. Clark 
called at my residence as he was wont to do. As I 
met him at the gate he said he had brought home a 
book that he had previously borrowed of me, and 
looked at me very earnestly. I invited him to walk 
in, saying I would put his horse in the barn. He 
said ^^ I will not go in just yet, I want to talk with 
you a little before I go in." I replied: '^ With pleas- 
ure, — I will listen to you." Then he said: "How are 
you getting along ? " '^ Quite well — feel that I am blest 
in striving to do my Master's will." '^ Have you plenty 
of provision, or are you getting a little short ? " "' Come 



! I 



i ! 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 219 



in and see, — think we have enough to give you a good 
dinner/' — smiling at the time, but not much smile on 
his countenance. '^ Where were you on such a day ? " 
^•'At Cameron until about the middle of the afternoon, 
then I came home." "And where were you in the 
evening?" "At my appointment on Yellow Hill." 
" Well, sir, there is an awful report in circulation 
about you, and if you are guilty it will prove your 
ruin as a minister and a christian, and will well nigh 
ruin the church." I was much astonished, a peculiar 
sensation came over me and I could only a.sk, " What 
is the report? " After he related it I told him it was 
as false as false could be, — that I w^as not guilty, and 
that he need have no farther trouble in that direction. 
" Well," said he, " are you willing to go w^ith me and 
ferret out the report, and find out where it originated, 
and all the particulars pertaining to the same ? " My 
reply was that I was ready to go at once, and meet my 
accusers face to face, and hear all that could be said of 
this shameful report. Y\^e hastened to the Valley 
where all was commotion. The Deacon and a number 
of the brethren seemed to be in consultation together. 
They looked as though they had not smiled for weeks, 
and looked at me sharply as I drew near them. 
"Well," said I, "gentlemen, 'what wilt thou have me 
to do ? ' I trust I am permitted to speak for myself; 
where are those mine accusers ? " One says B. told 
him, another savs he heard P. talkine^ about it, and 



220 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



another says it is in almost everybody's mouth. I re- 
marked that what people said I could not help, that 
the tongue of the talker I could not control, but when 
they found any one that had seen or knew anything 
wrong, I was ready to appear before them and hear 
fill they could say, for I was sure ■ there had been 
no wrong on my part, and was equally sure that 
the report originated with some wicked, designing 
person. 

There was quite a number who had gathered together, 
and they divided themselves into parties, and some 
went one way and some another in pursuit of the origi- 
nator of this report. There were two Justices of the 
Peace among the number. One who had been quite 
active in circulating the report in rather a sly way, 
was called upon to know by what authority they had 
said as they had. The reply was that they had heard 
the report, but they refused to give their author ; 
others talked in about the same manner, and refused to 
give their authors, until they were informed that unless 
they gave their authority they themselves would be 
considered the guilty ones, and would be dealt with 
accordingly. 

It was soon ascertained to a certainty that the report 
was a base falsehood, — that there was not a shade of 
truth in it. This satisfied the people so far as I was 
concerned, but they v'ere determined to trace this re- 
port until they found from Vv^hence it came. Many 



O. p. ALDERMAN, 221 

who were not professors of religion, but rather oppo- 
sers, seemed to laugh in their sleeves to see the Justices 
a,nd others so. actively engaged in going from place to 
place to find the source of this report. It was finally 
traced to one individual, who, after talking a little, con- 
fessed that he had said that the report w^as true, but 
did not originate it, and was quite reluctant to give his 
author until he was told in earnest, that unless he did, 
he himself would be considered the guilty man. He 
finally gave the name of an individual who, he said, 
informed him. He v/as then informed that he must go 
with them and see the man. This he at first refused 
to do, but when pressed to do it, consented. When he 
was in the presence of the man who he said had in- 
formed him, a few questions were asked by one of the 
party to which prompt answers w^ere given. They 
then informed him that this man whom they had 
brought with them said that he had reported ^^ thus 
and so." He showed si2:.ns of answer, and told Eli that 
he must recall that at once, or there would be trouble 
on the spot. Eli then turned pale and said that this 
man had never mentioned the matter to him at all,— 
that he told it himself without any cause or provoca- 
tion, — that he did not suppose that any one would 
believe it, — that he just told it to have a little fun ; 
thought the boys would have a jolly time over it, and 
that w^ould be the end of the matter without its doing 
a.ny one harm. 



222 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

He tlien became very penitent, called me to one 
side and, after confessing liis guilt, said he was very 
sorry that he had done so wickedly, and would do anv- 
thing in his power to correct the wrong, — said he had 
a good span of mules that he would willingly give to 
settle the matter. I told him there was no use of 
making any such offer, that I should 'do no such thing ; 
that anything that would satisfy the people, including 
a solemn promise from him that he would never again 
be guilty of such a thing, would satisfy me. Some 
said give him a good tanning with a horse-whip 
and let him go. Another said give him forty 
stripes. Others said let him suffer the penalty of 
the law. It was finally suggested that he should 
sign a libel and let that end the matter. He said, 
'^A libel is just what I ought to sign, for I have 
told lies about Mr. Alderman v/ithout any just cause 
whatever." 

Belov/ is a true copy of the writing which he 
signed : 

" I, , do hereby publicly state and acknowl- 
edge that the stories that I have told and circulated, 
derogatory to the character of Elder 0. P. Alderman, 
are slanderous reports, base falsehoods, and told with- 
out any cause or provocation ; and that I believe that 
his character as a citizen, as a Christian, and as a min- 
ister of the Gospel, is irreproachable, and that I will 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 223 

hereafter take all possible means to correct the state- 
ment I have made. Signed, . 

Thurston, Sept. 8, 1852. 
Signed in the presence of 

Chas. Cass, 
G. W. Campbell, 
Edwin Meechant, 
John Philips, 
S, A. Whktcomb, 
Wm. Merchant, 
Wm. Philips, 
H. P. Clark. 



CHAPTEE XX. 

In the year 1853*; we commenced building a meeting 
house at Cameron under some degree of embarrass- 
ment. Some were in favor of building, others rather 
opposed; said the old shingle schoolhonse, Vv^here we 
had enjoyed so many precious seasons, and where so 
many had consecrated themselves to God, was the place 
to hold our meetings in the future ; that if we built a 
chapel we would get proud and the Lord would forsake 
us, and the cause would wither and die. The enter- 
prise was begun, but it was not rushed ahead as w?.s 
the one at Thurston. It lingered for av/hile, but was 
finally finished and dedicated to the worship of God, ' 
but there was a debt resting upon it. 

The church invited the Tioga Eiver Christian Con- 
ference, of which it Avas a member, to hold its next 
annual session at Cameron. The Conference decided 
to hold its next session with said church, and we looked 
forward to that as the time when we could, doubtless, 
free the church from debt. The time came for the 
j Conference to meet, — it was a very rainy time and the 
gathering comparatively small. After raising all the 
funds -we could, (which was by no means a large sum_,) 
Vv^e wrote a subscription to be paid at a future day and 
circulated it among our friends. Quite a number sub- 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 225 

scribed, but the amounts were all small. The following 
winter, when the cold snow was blown in banks across 
the roads and scattered here and there in the fields, 
covering them with the likeness of silver, and piercing 
winds were blowing from the northwest, I started down 
into the old Keystone State to collect the subscriptions, 
which were now past due. The first day I drove to 
Caton and preached in the evening at the residence of 
Bro. Hiram Ellis, who lived about five miles from Corn- 
ing. I made fair progress the next day until I left 
Caton Centre, after which it was impossible to keep in 
the roads or even to tell where they were, so I wound 
my way as best I could around among the banks of 
snow, getting along at a slow rate. Bro. George Mid- 
daugh, who lived in Lawrence, was the first subscriber 
on my list that lived in Pennsylvania, so my inquiry 
was for Middaugh. I was informed that I was within 
four miles of him, and then again was informed that it 
was six miles. I braved the storm as best I could, 
wishing that I had staid at home, and paid the amount 
I was in pursuit of out of my own funds. As I was 
drawing near Bro. Middaugh's I saw a lady come out 
of a house and start in the direction I was traveling. 
My horse being a faster traveler than the lady I soon 
overtook her, and asked her if she could direct me to 
George Middaugh's. '' Oh, yes," she replied, " he lives 
just ahead on this road. I am going down near there 
myself." I asked her if she would like to ride. ^' I 



226 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

don't care if I do/' was the reply. She inquired of me 
if I was a relative of Mr. Middaugh. " Yes," was my 
reply, " I suppose I am just as much related to him as 
he is to me. He is a member of the Christian Church 
I believe r^ " " Yes, sir, he is the deacon of the 
church." I then asked her if she professed religion. 
''Yes, sir," was the reply, ''I am a member of the 
Christian Church. Are you a Christian preacher ? " 
she asked. '' They call me so sometimes." '' What is 
your name if I may be so bold ? " she asked. ''Alder- 
man," was the reply. " I want to know if you are 
Elder Alderman ! I have often heard of vou." Dur- 
ing the short conversation with the lady I felt that I 
was yet in a Christian land. She soon pointed to a 
dwelling which she said was Bro. Middaugh's. I felt 
as Paul did when he came in sight of the Three Tav- 
erns, — " to thank God and take courage." Soon I 
drove up to the door and found a good Pilgrim's Home, 
where I warmed and rested myself, ate some of their 
good provisions and enjoyed it much, — staid there the 
next day and preached in the evening to an attentive 
audience. Bro. M. paid his subscription (one dollar) 
cheerfully. Then I pushed on into Farmington, and 
there I was much disappointed, as I failed to collect the 
first dime. After an absence of about one week I re- 
turned home and reported my success in collecting, 
and told the church I would pay the remainder of the 
Pennsylvania subscription myself. 



O. p. ALDEEMAN. 227 

I continued my labors with this chnrcn and the 
one at Thurston eight years one-half of the time, 
preaching at other places the other portion of the 
time. Both churches had increased their member- 
ship and influence, and were doing a good work 
in the cause of religion, but feeling that I had been 
their pastor about long enough, and that a change 
would be advantageous to both pastor and people, 
I closed my labors with them, much against the 
wishes of the brethren. Elder Wm. D. Eutherford 
then took the pastoral charge of these churches. 
Soon Elder A. Burlingame came to Thurston in search 
of some church with which to settle, and there was 
an arrangement made, in a hasty manner, for him 
to take pastoral charge of the church at Thurston 
instead of Elder Eutherford, who .was one of the 
best men the Christian Church was ever blest with. 
This proved to be a bad change for the church. There 
is on the pages of the Church Eecord a para- 
graph that reads as follows : '' The above was a bad 
move for this church, and was the cause of lasting 
trouble and injury to the cause of Christ; and should 
forever be a warning to this church not to be mioved 
by a few persons to take a stranger, in exchange for an 
old and tried friend." Elder B. did not remain long. 
Before one year passed away he left for another field 
of labor ; and in less than one year from the time I 
closed my labors with them, I was again their preacher. 



228 AUTOBIOGKAPHY OF 

Tbe following is copied from the Churcli Eecord at 
Merchantville : " May 6tli, 1848. At a regular Fel- 
lowship Meeting, held on West Hill, E. Merchant was 
appointed to secure, if possible, the services of Eld. O. 
P. Alderman. 

June 3d, 1848. At a regular Fellowship Meeting, 
E. Merchant reported tha,t 0. P. Alderman could be 
got. Voted that he serve us as pastor the ensuing 
year. 

Sept. 23d, 1848. Fellowship Meeting. Voted that 
Elders 0. P. Alderman and Wm. D. Eutherford receive 
letters of commendation to the Tioga Eiver Christian 
Conference. 

April 7th, 1849. Fellowship Meeting. Voted that 
Eld. 0. P. Alderman serve as pastor of the church the 
ensuing year. 

Aug. 25th, 1849, Voted letters of commendation 
to 0. P. Alderman and Wm. D. Eutherford^ to the 
Tio2;a Eiver Christian Conference. 

April 8th, 1850. Fellowship Meeting. Voted that 
0. P. Alderman serve the church as pastor the eu-su- 
ing year. 

Aug. 26th, 1850. Voted letters of commendation to 
0. P. Alderman and Wm. D. Eutherford to Conference. 

April 9th, 1851. Fellowship Meeting. Voted that 
0. P. Alderman serve the church as pastor the ensuing 
year. 

May 18th, 1851. Fellowship Meeting, Voted letters 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 229 

of commendation to 0. P. Alderman and Wm. D. 
Eutherford to Conference. 

Kov. 8tli, 1851. At a Fellowship Meeting on YV'est 
Hill, voted that the church should be called and known 
as the Christian Church of Thurston. Dropped 28 
names. 

April 3d, 1852. At a Fellowship Meeting held in 
the schoolhouse on Otter Creek. Voted that 0, P. 
Alderman be employed to preach to the congregation 
at that place. 

Jan. 26th, 1852. Voted that 0. P. Alderman re- 
ceive a letter of commendation to Conference. 

July 24th, 1852. Fellowship Meeting in the meet- 
ing house. Eeceived one member. 

Aug. 1st, 1852. At a meeting, held at the Chris- 
tian chapel, received into Christian fellowship, ten. 

Aug. 21st, 1852. Fellowship Meeting. A very in- 
teresting time. Received into church fellowship, five. 

Aug. 22d, 1852. Eeceived one into church fellow- 
ship at the water side, after baptism. 

Oct. 3d, 1852, Meeting 'at the chapel. Eeceived 
four into Christian fellowship. 

Nov. 13th, 1852. Meeting at the chapel. Eeceived 
ten members. 

Dec. 5th, 1852. Fellowship Meeting on Green Hill. 
Eeceived three members. 

March 5th, 1853. Meeting at the Chapel. Ee- 
ceived two members. 



230 AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 

April 2d, 1853. Fellowship Meeting. 0. P. Alder- 
man chosen pastor for the ensuing jes.T. 

April 30th, 1853. Fellowship Meeting. Eeceived 
one member. 

June 26th, 1853. Fellowship Meeting. Voted a 
letter of commendation to 0. P. Alderman to the TioQ;a 
Eiver Christian Conference. 

April 1st, 1854. Fellowship Meeting. Voted that 
0. P. Alderman serve as pastor the ensuing year. 

June 24th, 1854. Voted 0. P. Alderman and Wm. 
D. Eutherford letters of commendation to Conference. 

April 28th, 1855. Fellowship Meeting. Voted that 
0. P. Alderman serve the church as pastor the ensuing 
year. 

May 26th, 1855. Voted 0, P. Alderman letter to 
Central Conference. 

April 26th, 1856. Fellowship Meeting. Voted that 
Wm. D. Eutherford be pastor of the church. 

Dec. 6th, 1856. Fellowship Meeting. Elder A. 
Burlingame takes the pastoral charge of the church, as 
arranged by him and Eld. Eutherford,. 

April 4th, 1857. Eegular Fellowship Meeting. 
Eesolved, that Eld. 0. P. Alderman take pastoral 
charo;e of the church for the ensuinc^ year. Eeceived 
three into church fellowship. 

May 16th, 1857. Fellowship Meeting. Eeceived 
seven members. Voted that 0. P. Alderman have a 
letter of commendation to the Central Conference. 



0. p. ALDESMAN. 



231 



Nov. Gtli, 1857. Received one member. 

Feb. 27tli, 1858. Fellowship Meeting. Received 
one member. 

March 27th, 1858, Fellowship Meeting. Resolved, 
that 0. P. Alderman be our pastor for the ensuing 
year. 

May 22d, 1858. Resolved that 0. P. Alderman 
receive a letter of commendation to the Central Con- 
ference. 

July 17th, 1858. Fellowship meeting. . Received 
one member. 

March 12th, 1859. FelloAvship Meetmg. Received 
one member. 

April 9th, 1859. Fellowship Meeting. Received 
three members. 

May 7th, 1859. Resolved that 0. P. Alderman be 
engaged to continue as pastor of the church. 

June 4th, 1859. Fellowship Meeting. P^esolved 
that 0. P. Alderman receive a letter of commendation 
to the New York Central Christian Conference. 

June 27th, 1859. Fellowship Meeting. Received 
three members. 

March 24th, 1861. Fellowship Meeting. Received 
three members. 

April 20th, 1860. Fellowship Meeting. Received 
five members. 

May 18th, 1861. Fellowship Meeting. Received 
three members. , 



232 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



January, 1862. Fellowship Meeting. Eeceived 
one member. 

May 18tli, 1862. Fellowship Meeting. Voted a 
letter of commendation to 0. P. Alderman to the ISFew 
York Central Conference. 

March 21st, 1863. Fellowship Meeting. Eeceived 
one member. Also resolved, that as Elder 0. P. Alder- 
man designs to travel and preach the Word of Life 
where his lot may be cast, therefore, resolved, that he 
receive a letter of commendation from this church, for 
his faithful and efficient labors as the pastor of this 
church for the past fourteen years. 

May 29th, 1864. Kesolved that 0. P. Alderman 
receive a letter of commendation to the New York 
Central Conference. Also that he be one of our dele- 
gates to the Tioga River Conference. 

March 9th, 1867. Fellowship Meeting at the Chris- 
tian chapel. Resolved, that 0. P. Alderman received 
a letter of disrhission and commendation to the Chris- 
tian Church at Lewisburg, Pa." 

Soon after I moved to Thurston I. held a series of 
meetings in an adjoining neighborhood, sometimes called 
Green Hill, but more generally known as the Bancroft 
Settlement. A man by the name of Bancroft resided 
at this place who was a prominent man, one of the 
Justices of the Peace in our town. It was said that 
he was somewhat skeptical with regard to the Christian 
religion. I soon formed his acquaintance, and he 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 233 

became my friend. The first meeting I held in that 
settlement was at a private dwelling occupied by David 
Edsall. A Presbyterian lady, who resided in the 
neighborhood, attended the meeting. She was much 
prejudiced against the Christians, and would not have 
attended the meeting had she known that a Christian 
minister was going to preach, but supposing it was a 
Methodist, thought she would venture out. She was 
nearly converted to the principles of the Christians the 
first sermon she heard. After I formed her acquaint- 
ance, she informed me that she was so much prejudiced 
against the Christians that she never intended to hear 
one preach, but hearing that a stranger was going to 
preach at Mr. Edsall 's house, she supposed of course it 

was a Methodist. The more she became acauainted 

J. 

with the people she had been so prejudiced against, the 
better she liked them, and after comparing their senti- 
ments with the Bible, she decided they were on the 
right plan. Her husband taking the same view of the 
subject, they withdrew from the Presbyterian and joined 
the Christian Church. 

This first appointment in the new settlement opened 
the way to a more extended field of labor. Some 
friends living on the Conhocton River, in the town of 
Campbell, who were formerly from Otsego County and 
warm friends to the Christians, on hearing that a 
Christian minister was going to preach in the new set- 
tlement, made their way to the place of worship. A 



234: 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



Mr. Hubbard introduced himself to me, and seemed 
mucli pleased to form my acquaintance ; said that he 
was not a member of any church himself, but some of 
the family were ; that his wife's father was a deacon 
of the Christian Church at Loon Lake. Then said 
I, ''Was your wife a Tucker?" He replied, "Yes," 
and then said, '' Do you know Deacon Tucker ? " I 
told him I did, that his house was my home when in 
that region. This made our acquaintance still more 
interesting, and he insisted that I must visit him soon, 
which I agreed to do at my earliest convenience. 

My first call at his residence was of a sad and mourn- 
ful character. It was but a few days after, while I 
was engaged in logging up a fallow, my face as black 
as the benighted African, one of the men said : '' Elder, 
there is a man out at the edge of the fallow who, I 
judge, is looking for some one who he supposes is among 
our number. Perhaps it is yourself." I told him I 
Avould go up and get a pail of water and ascertain who 
he wptS in pursuit of. As I drew near he asked if the 
Eeverend Mr. Alderman was present. My reply was 
that a man by that name was not far away, and asked 
if he wished to see him. He replied that he had come 
to inform him that Mr. Joel Hubbard had lost one of 
his sons, and wished the Elder to come down and 
preach the funeral sermon next day, adding, " Do you 
think he will do so ? " ''I have no doubt of it. He 
generally attends on all such occasions when invited." 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 235 

''Well," said he, " if you will inform liim, as you have no 
doubt but he will attend, I will take no farther trouble, 
but go on my way." I told him it would all be right, 
so bidding me good bye, he returned to report favor- 
ably. The next day I attended the funeral. I noticed 
the gentleman who had left the request with me for the 
Elder to attend the funeral. He had charge of the 
funeral procession. After the service was concluded 
and the cold remains of the little son laid away in his 
narrow bed, the gentleman spoke to me, saying, " You 
got the word then ? " Said I, " What word ? " '' Why 
to attend this funeral." '' If I had not I should not 
have been here." ''Well," said he, "I am the man 
that went up to inform you." " Yes," said I, " and I 
am the one you informed." Looking astonished, said 
he, " Is it possible ! You do not look any like the one 
I talked with." " Well," said I, " although the ' Ethi- 
opean cannot change his skin nor the leopard his spots,' 
yet a man can wash the blackness of the new burnt 
fallow from his face, and Avith a few minutes labor, pre- 
pare himself for the desk." 

After this I was frequently called upon to attend 
funerals in this and the adjoining neighborhoods, which 
soon caused me to form an extensive acquaintance in 
the town of Campbell, and also in the adjoining towns. 
On a certain occasion I was called upon to attend a 
funeral at the Presbyterian meeting house in the lower 
part of Campbell. On our way from the residence of 



236 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

the deceased to the place of service, we had to cross 
the river. My horse was young and spirited, and as I 
was driving off the river bridge the harness gave way, 
allowing the sulky to run against him, which fright- 
ened him and he seemed determined to run away from 
the trouble. I saw that I was in a dangerous position, 
for if I attempted to hold the horse he might kick me 
to death. I thought if there was a hill near I could 
manage him without much danger, but as there was 
none, I thought best to direct him into the rear yard 
of a store just before us, which was filled with old bar- 
rels and boxes, and take my chances of finding a good 
place to alight. I made a successful drive with the 
exception of injuring one of my ankles, — did not know 
how much I was hurt, but found I was able to get into 
a wagon which v/as in readiness to convey me to the 
place of service. This I did, leaving my horse to be 
cared for by others, The assembly was large. I was 
informed by the man who was in charge of the service, 
that the clergyman who officiated there was out at the 
door. I sent out for him to come in and take part in 
the exercise. This he refused to do, saying that if he 
took any part with this people it would be bidding 
them ''God speed." Of course, in his state of mind he 
could not consent to commit a sin of such magnitude. 
0, blind supert}tition, what hast thou not done! 

After I commenced my discourse he ventured inside 
the door, sitting on the end of a bench so near it that 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 237 

lie could easily run, in case the heresy came so thick 
that he could not get his breath, but he appeared quiet 
throughout the service. His course was noticed by 
some of the citizens who helped to support him,, and 
when his year was out his time was out also. I was 
informed that when the subscription for his support 
was presented to Colonel Stewart, who had previously 
signed quite liberally, he said that as his wife was a 
member of that church he would sign a little, but as 
for himself, he would give no more money to support a 
religion which caused men to feel and act as that man 
had done, especially on a funeral occasion, and many 
others were of the same mind. 

But to return to the meeting at the Bancroft settle- 
ment. This meeting was commenced on this wise. 
One day while in conversation with Esquire Bancroft, 
I asked him why he did not invite me to preach at 
the schoolhouse near where he lived, as I thought 
that we were quite good friends, and a few meetings 
might be mutually beneficial. '^ Well " said he, '' come 
over sometime Elder, and give us a preach. Call at 
my house and make your home with us while in the 
neighborhood." I then asked him if he would circu- 
late an appointment. He replied that he would. The 
appointment was accordingly given out for a meeting. 
It being announced by Mr. Bancroft, increased the 
anxiety of the people to attend. The meeting was 
commenced, and continued five weeks ; resulting in a 



238 AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 

sweeping revival. Mr. B. was among tlie converts. 
Tlie meeting had been in progress but a few evenings 
^vhen he arose and thus manifested a desire to be a 
Christian. He told the people that this was not the 
impulse of the moment with him, that for a long time 
he had felt that he ought to prepare to meet his God. 
He was soon baptized and joined the Christian Church, 
and was a good, working, earnest Christian ; willing to 
do all he could for the advancement of the Kedeemer's 
cause. 

One afternoon after we had enjoyed a good meeting, 
called a Convert Meeting, held at Bro. B's residence, a 
good brother by the name of Bulkley, who, with his 
wife, were members of the Methodist Church at Sa- 
vona, tarried by the request of Bro. Bancroft till 
evening meeting. Bro. Bulkley soon commenced con- 
versation with me by saying that this v/as the first 
meeting held by the Christian order that he had ever 
attended ; that he was very. happily disappointed, that 
he had heard much about this people that was very 
unfavorable, and had felt that he did not wish to wor- 
ship with them, or have anything to do with them in a 
religious capacity. '' But," continued he, '^ I never 
enjoyed a meeting so well in my life as I have this ; 
never heard more Bible preached; and I like your style 
of conducting a protracted meeting the best of any I 
ever witnessed. I wish you would bring up your book 
of discipline sometime and let me examine it, and if I 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 239 

like that as well as I do the doctrine you preach, my 
wife and I will get a letter from Savona, and offer our- 
selves to the Christian Church at Merchantville." 
Said I, " Very well, Bro. Bulkley, perhaps I had better 
take your names now as applicants for church mem- 
bership, as I a.m sure you will like our Book of Disci- 
pline." " Well," said he, " I will wait till I examine 
it for myself and make my own decision on the matter." 
I asked the Squire if he had a copy of our creed 
handy, if so to hand it to Bro. Bulkley. " yes, there 
is one right here in the cupboard," he replied, at the 
same time handing Bro. B. the book. He took it, 
opened it, looked in the first part, then the latter, and 
then the middle ; then looking at the Squire, he said, 
" Why, this is the Bible ! " " Well," said I, '' Bro. Bulk- 
ley, how do you like it? " "Like the Bible," said he, 
" why, I like it first rate." " I knew you would," said 
I, "and this is our Book of Discipline, we have no 
other. This ' is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, and 
for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God 
may be thoroughly furnished unto all good works.'" 

j " Y\^hy," said he, "this is all very true, but do we not 
need something^ more to o^overn a church? " " Is the 

I Church a divine or human institution," I asked. Said 
he, "I think it is a divine institution." "Very well," 

I I replied, " now do we need human rules or laws to 

j govern a divine institution ? " "I had never thought 
of this in this light before," said he, "I want a little 



240 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

time to think this over." '' Take all the time you wish 
Bro. Bulkley. I will not hold you to the promise you 
made, but consider this matter and act up to your 
highest conviction." Only a few weeks later Bro. 
Bulkley and his wife brought letters of commendation 
from the Methodist Church, and joined the Christian 
Church at Merchantville, and were good, active mem- 
bers. 

One evening during the meeting held at the Bancroft 
schoolhouse, soon after I commenced my discourse, I 
noticed some confusion near one corner of the room 
among the females. I supposed at once, that some one 
was sick or had fainted. Soon a damsel of sixteen 
years was carried out of the house. When I had con- 
cluded my discourse, while the friends were singing, I 
asked the cause of this confusion, and was informed 
that Mary, the daughter of Joel Marring, was taken 
violently ill, but was well cared for at the residence of 
Bro. Bancroft. The next day she was taken to her 
home in the adjoining neighborhood. A day or two 
later, a messenger came requesting me to visit Mary 
Marring at her father's house, saying that she was dan- 
gerously ill and joined with her parents in requesting 
me to visit her. I went over at once, and found her, 
as I thought, in a very critical condition. She con- 
versed freely, and when I asked her if she thought she 
would recover from her illness, she said she could not 
tell, but hoped she might ; but in case she was on her 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 241 

death bed, slie had no hope, — all was dark beyond the 
grave; that she could not indulge in any hope of 
heaven ; said that she had intended to seek the Sa- 
viour and become a Christian, but had continued to put 
it off from time to time, and was now upon a sick bed 
without the comforting influence which religion affords ; 
said that the first night she attended the meeting 
she felt that she would like to be a Christian, but 
thought she would put it off till the next evening, and 
then she would make the start. The next evening she 
wanted to start but had not the moral courage to do 
so then, and put it off again till the next night, when 
she was taken sick, and "now," said she, " it is too 
late." I told her the Saviour was very merciful, and 
quoted some of his sayings and promises. She said 
they were all right, but did not mean her. Once she 
could claim them as an awakened sinner, but she had 
neglected to obey until the time, with her, had passed 
by. I endeavored to satisfy her that there was mercy 
in store for her, that her present ideas were suggestions 
of the enemy. She replied that she would be glad to 
believe that God would forgive her, but lacked faith to 
take hold of the promises. I bowed by her bedside to 
pray for her, but it seemed that the heavens were brass 
above my head. I arose from my knees with a bur- 
dened mind, but I could not give her up. What a 
struggle. A damsel of sixteen summers, whose life 
had been one of goodness and virtue, who lacked only 



242 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

the one thing, soon to go into eternity without an evi- 
dence of her acceptance with God. 

I went to a grove a short distance from the dwelling, 
and there bowing before the mercy seat, asked God to 
have mercy on this young lady, who would, probably, 
soon leave this world for one of happiness or misery. 
While thus before the Throne of Grace, the burden 
left me, and I felt calm and easy in my mind. As I 
was returning to the house, Bro. Marring spoke to me 
from the door, saying, " If you wish to say anything 
more to Mary you had better hurry along ; there has 
been a change in her, and we fear she will lose her 
reason." As I entered the room I saw there had been 
a change but saw no signs of insanity. She raised her 
hands and exclaimed, " I have found the Saviour. He 
is precious to me. I want to meet father and mother 
in heaven, and want my sisters to prepare to meet us 
there." Her parents were so overjoyed they could 
scarcely speak. She answered all the questions I pro- 
posed much to our satisfaction, and gave good evidence 
that " old things had passed away and all things had 
become new." I asked her father if he was satisfied 
with her conversion. He answered " perfectly." 

During the few days that she lived many called to 
see and converse with her. She exhorted professors to 
be faithful, and sinners to seek salvation. Her exhor- 
tations were, doubtless, blessed to the good of many, 
and were without doubt the cause of the increasing 



0. p. ALDEKMAN. 243 

interest manifested in the meeting. A few evenings 
later she sent word to the meeting to have me come 
over immediately after service, that the ship was going 
to sail out of the harbor that night ; and as I was prls- 
ent when she got aboard, she wished me to be prese-nt 
when she crossed the stream. As soon as the meeting 
closed I made my way to Bro. Marring's as fast as pos- 
sible. On entering the room I saw that Mary had but 
little time to stay. The cold and clammy sweat of 
death had already gathered upon her pale brow. As 
I approached her bedside I said, ^' Mary, you are yet 
on the shore of time." " Yes," she said in a low voice, 
''just on the shore, but soon to depart. I have been 
waiting to see you. I have a few requests to make, 
and then to grapple with the monster. She wished 
me to preach her funeral sermon, naming the text, and 
hymns she wished sung ; then said she wanted to be 
buried under the shade tree in the front yard, where 
she and her sister Susanna had spent so many pleasant 
hours. These requests being made she was ready to 
meet the last foe. Now a word of prayer. I closed 
my eyes for a moment, asking for grace sufficient for 
the parting hour. Soon the scene closed, — the strug- 
gle was over. The spirit had taken its flight, a life- 
less corpse was before us, with the impress of heaven 
on the pale face. 

This was on Friday night and the funeral services 
were appointed for the afternoon of the following 



244 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 

Sunday. It was necessary for me to go to Tyrone on 
Saturday to attend to some business there, and I would 
have to return on Sunday in time to attend the funeral. 
I ^so had an appointment at the Baptist church at 
Bradford, some thirteen miles from the place of the 
funeral, at ten and a half o'clock, A. M. After filling 
this appointment it required fast driving to reach the 
place for the funeral in time, and I was a little late. 
There was a large concourse of people in waiting, and 
others on the way. The services were conducted as 
Mary had desired, and her dying request with regard 
to being buried in the front yard, was complied with. 
I would here mention the fact that scarcely one short 
year rolled around, before death again spread its dark 
wings over this dwelling, and Susanna was called to 
follow her sister over the dark rolling waves of the river 
of death. The body of Susanna was buried at some little 
distance from the dwelling, in a proper place. At this 
time the grave of Mary was opened and her remains 
taken up and buried beside her sister. Here these 
two sisters, who were once active in life, are now sleep- 
ing in their narrow beds, awaiting the sound of Ga- 
briel's trump to call them up to immortality and eternal 
life, to join in songs of praise with the heavenly host, 
in that blessed clime beyond the borders of death. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

The cause of religion continued to prosper in our 
midst, but my salary wpoS insufficient to defray tlie ex- 
penses wliicli were continally accruing. It seemed to 
be necessary for me to engage in some other business 
to meet the wants of life, and lay up something for age 
and infirmity. About this time there was a new In- 
surance Company incorporated, called the " Empire 
Insurance Company," located at Union Springs, Cayuga 
County, N. Y. Bro. Wm. Clark, who had formerly 
published the '' Christian Palladium," was the Secre- 
tary of this new Insurance Company, and Elder Ezra 
Marvin was the General Agent. The latter solicited 
me to become an agent for the new company. At first 
the business did not strike me very favorably, but after 
listening to the arguments of Bro. Marvin in favor of 
my becoming an agent, I decided to take an agency 
and da the best I could. 

As I entered upon my new business I began to feel 
like a business man. There was something of an anx- 
iety to build up a little village in the Valley where our 
meeting house was located. A shoe-shop seemed to be as 
necessary as any enterprise that could be eiigaged in at 
present, and as no other parties were willing to establish 
one, I concluded I would engage in the enterprise 



246 AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 

myself, for the benefit of the place ; at the same time 
supposing it would afibrd some profit to the proprietor, 
at least some little income would be realized. A good 
brother in the Lord, who also was a good shoe-maker, 
w^ith whom I was acquainted, had formerly lived at the 
Pond Settlement in the town of Howard, but now 
lived in Woodhull. 

I thought he would be a competent person to en- 
gage in this business, and decided to go and see him, 
and if I could not persuade him to come and start 
a shop with us, I would, if possible, hire him to 
take charge of a shop for me. He had no notion of 
starting a shop at his own risk, but after a long 
persuasion he agreed to work for me by the day, and 
do the best he could with the shop. A temporary 
shop was soon erected suitable for the business, the 
workman was on his bench, and the new shoe-shop 
began operations quite briskly. It attracted the atten- 
tion of the citizens, and was liberally patronized. The 
time soon came when I thought it would be proper to 
look over the business and ascertain its assets and 
liabilities, and enjoy its profits, and then I could tell 
about how long this business would have to continue 
to pay for the shop and meet the other expenses. After 
footing up the wages of the workman, adding his board, 
the amount of stock already consumed, the amount 
received, and the outstanding debts, I could find no 
margin in my favor, but to my disappointment the 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 247 

*' balance " was on the other side of the ledger. I 
then thought of the old maxim, 

'* He who by the plough would thrive, 
Himself must either hold or drive," 

and I thought that as it had proved true in this case 
it doubtless would in others. 

My insurance business was prospering, and bid 
fair to become a success. I now decided I would pur- 
chase a lot in the Valley, build a house and move down ; 
then I could board the shoe-maker, and in this way 
could make my expenses less, and, at the same time, be 
much better located as an Insurance Agent. I accord- 
ingly purchased a lot of about twenty-five acres, and 
commenced erecting a dwelling, and intended to give 
my attention to that until it was completed. I had, 
as yet, taken but few risks of insurance, and those 
among the brethren and personal friends — ^had got my 
house up and nearly enclosed when the news came that 
Thomas Aldrich's barn, the fourth risk I had taken, 
had been struck by lightning and burned down. There 
was much said about this property burning so soon 
after it was insured, and now the matter was to be 
tested whether the loser would get his insurance or not. 
In case this loss was promptly paid, many were ready 
to insure, otherwise little or no more insurance business 
could be done by the Empire Insurance Company in 
this community. I felt, perhaps, as much anxiety 



248 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

about the matter as any one, and had my hopes and 
fears about the result. Being ignorant of the mode of 
procedure and time required to adjust a loss, I became 
a little excited on the occasion. I was informed that 
it was my duly to inform the General Agent, and he 
would report the same to the company, and then they 
would send an adjuster to look the matter over and 
decide how much the company ought to pay, if any- 
thing. It seemed to me that this would require some 
length of time, and I was anxious to be able to answer 
at least some of the many questions that were contin- 
ually being asked about this matter. Aldrich, of course, 
felt an interest in the matter, and said if I would go 
immediately to Union Springs, to the Plome Office, and 
report the loss and circumstances in person, that, in 
case he got his pay promptly, he would pay my expen- 
ses to and from Union Springs. No quicker said than 
done, and in about sixty minutes I was on my way to 
Union Springs, making all the speed 1 could by cars 
and boat. Arrived at my place of destination, I has- 
tened to the office, found Mr. Clark, the Secretary, 
and related to him the circumstances of the insurance 
and loss. He soon called a few of the Directors to- 
gether, and after they had questioned me with regard 
to the matter, they held a short consultation, then in- 
formed me that they would pay the loss at once, or as 
soon as the proofs could be properly made out. They 
gave me the instruction necessary to execute the proof 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 249 

of loss, and told me to return it to tliem as soon as 
possible, and report the amount of money then in my 
hands, and they would send a check for the remainder 
by return mail. I hastened home, made the proper 
proof of loss, shoAving the amount due upon the policy, 
also stated the amount I could pay from the business I 
had done, and the return mail brought the check, so 
that the insured not only gave a receipt for his pay in 
full, but also a certificate stating the time of insurance, 
the date of loss, also the time of payment, and further- 
more stating that said loss was honorably adjusted and 
paid to his entire satisfaction. This circumstance made 
my insurance business very brisk, and for several weeks 
I had all I could attend to. 

At the same time my dwelling Avas being completed, 
but not entirely to my satisfaction. The workmen did 
not do exactly as I had instructed them, which was 
somewhat perplexing to me, but I got along with all 
this without finding much fault. 

As soon as my new dAvelling was in condition to be 
occupied w^e moved to our new home. Y/e then took 
the shoemaker into our family, and I endeavored to 
OA^ersee the shoe-makins; and insurance business, and 
preach Sundays. 

We now wanted a store in our little toAvn to accom- 
modate the people, and also to give tone and character 
to our ncAv village. As Ave uoav had a good w^agon- 
shop, blacksmith-shop, shoe-shop, saAv-mill and meeting- 



250 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

house, we thought that a nice little store was almost 
indispensable. As no one else seemed able or willing to 
engage in this enterprise, I entered into co-partnership 
with a young man from Cameron, to engage in the mer- 
cantile business. We then converted the front room of 
our dwelling into a store and filled it with goods, mostly 
groceries. This was quite well patronized, and busi- 
ness seemed prosperous. After we had operated here 
a short time we opened a Dry Goods and Variety store 
up town, near the shops. We bought large stocks of 
goods and sold the same, which made lively times in 
our place, which was now named Merchantville. I 
must confess that although I was endeavoring to preach 
every Sunday, and frequently funeral sermons during 
the week, I had become quite too worldly minded. 

We bought many of our goods on credit, and sold 
them on credit, and as our credit in the city was good 
for all we named, so the credit of our customers was 
good for all they ordered, and some of them ordered 
much and often. Thus business went on for a while 
very briskly, but we could soon say to our customers as 
the frogs in the fable said to the boys when they were 
pelting them with stones, that while it was sport for 
them it was death to us. By and by we found ourselves 
much embarrassed, large amounts were due in the city 
and large amounts were due us which we could not col- 
lect, and we closed up business with a loss of nearly two 
thousand dollars— about all that I had previously gained. 



O. p. AT- DERM AN. 251 

As I looked upon the past I could see that I had 
been engaged in altogether too much business of a 
worldly nature for a minister of the Gospel. I re- 
gretted the course I had pursued, and mourned over 
my present condition for a while, but I knew that the 
past was gone and could not be recalled, and it would 
do no good to '^cry for spilled milk." I had no hope 
of gaining what I had lost without doing something 
besides preaching,, and I decided to renew my insur- 
ance business with earnestness, and, if possible, be 
somebody yet in this business world. I was more de- 
voted to the cause of religion than I had been for the 
past few years, and at the same time I pushed the in- 
surance business as fast as I could and attend to my 
other duties. The tide soon changed, and in a few 
years I was in easy circumstances again. 

I had become rather popular as an Insurance Agent, 
by my close attention to the business, but while thus 
engaged I did not feel that anxiety for the salvation of 
sinners that I had formerly felt, when I was not so 
much engaged in the business affairs of life, neither 
was I as well prepared for the pulpit as I had been in 
other days. Dry, dull sermons will cause the congre- 
gation to become dull and inactive. I would suggest 
to every man in the ministry, also to those who are 
about to enter upon the work of a Gospel minister, the 
propriety of freeing themselves as much as possible 
from the cares and perplexities of the world, and devot- 



252 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

ing themselves with greater earnestness to the salvation 
of those precious souls for whom Christ died. 

Brethren, let us remember what Paul said to Tim- 
othy : '' Meditate upon . these things, give thyself 
wholly to them ; that thy profiting may appear to all. 
Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine ; con- 
tinue in them, for in doing this thou shalt both save 
thyself and them that hear thee." I am satisfied that 
to be a successful minister it is necessary to devote our 
entire energy to the cause of the Great Master, 

In '1862-3 I traveled and preached some in Brad- 
ford County, Pa., and in Eidgeberry, on the 30th day of 
April, 1863, I had the pleasure of marrying Elder A. 
G. Hammon to Miss Angle Cassada. I was somewhat 
embarrassed as Bro. H. exhibited a little of his sly 
cunning. 

During the years 1866-7, I preached a portion of 
the time at HaLsey Valley, N. Y., where I enjoyed 
some precious seasons Avhile striving to preach the 
word. My first visit to Halsey Valley was on an invi- 
tation from Elder Solomon Snyder, in behalf of the 
church, to hold a two days' meeting with them. 

On my arrival at the church I met a few good, warm 
hearted brethren, who seemed anxious for. a revival of 
religion in their midst. Elder Lyman Allen, who was 
at this time, pastor of the church, Avelcomed me to this 
field of labor, and I found him a true fellow laborer.' 
We continued the meeting two weeks with good results ; 



■'-1 



0. p. ALDEEMAI^. 



253 



the clinrcli was much, revived,, and a number started 
out on the christian journey. 

The church and friends in that vicinity were anxious 
that I should take the pastoral charge of the church 
and preach to them a portion of the time for one year. 
After some deliberation an arrangement was made for 
me to supply the pulpit during the year, two succes- 
sive Sundays in each month, and stay with them during 
the intervening weeks, holding our fellowship meetings 
the second Saturday after my arrival. Before making 
this arrangement, the brethren thought they would not 
be satisfied with preaching in that way, thinking it 
would be better to have it each alternate Sunday, but 
after a short time I think all were pleased with it. The 
distance I lived from there seemed to forbid my preach- 
ing to them as they desired, each alternate Sunday. 

Halsey Valley is about eight miles from the railroad 
at Barton where I generally left the cars, though I 
sometimes stopped at other stations at about the same 
distance to suit the convenience of those who met me. 
Bro. E. Vannetten lived on Prospect Hill, which was 
about four miles from Barton Station, also, about the 
same distance from Halsey Valley, a little oif the direct 
road, and was a member of the church. One of his 
daughters, named Betsy, was a frank, kind, and intel- 
ligent young lady. She was in poor healthy and I 
thought perhaps death had already marked her for his 
prey. She seemed to delight in conversation, and said 



254 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

herself, that she was a rude, wild girl. While at the 
Valley I made my home the most of the time with 
Bro. Solomon Davenport, who lived about two miles 
east of the village, in nearly an opposite direction from 
Bro. Vannetten's. Elder S. Snyder lived near Brother 
Davenport's. One day a messenger came for Elder 
Snyder to attend a funeral about one mile beyond Bro. 
Vannetten's, some seven miles from Bro. Davenport. 
Elder S. was absent. The messenger said he was sorry, 
and the family would be disappointed, as they wished 
a Christian minister to preach on the occasion, and as 
Elder Allen was now gone he did not know where they 
could get one in time to attend the funeral, as it was 
appointed at ten o'clock the next day. Mrs. Snyder 
informed him that there was a Christian minister at 
Bro. Davenport's who would doubtless attend, in case 
he was called upon. The messenger then called at 
Davenport's, to ascertain whether he could get the 
minister who was there, to attend the funeral. Bro. D. 
came in and reported the request to me, saying, " I 
suppose you will go ? " I replied, " Yes, if I had a 
conveyance." He said he would take me over and 
bring me back. The messenger was then informed 
that he could report that a minister would be there in 
time. 

The next morning Bro. D. and myself were on our 
way in time to reach our destination at the appointed 
hour. Bro. D. said, while on our way, that we would 



O. p. ALDERMAN. 255 

drive up to Bro. Vannetten's after service, get our 
dinner, feed our horse, and then return home. The 
funeral services were conducted much to the satisfac- 
tion of the afflicted family, as reported by them. 

Directly after the close of services, as we were about 
arranging to depart. Miss Vannetten came along, in 
her usual pleasant manner, and after the usual ^' How 
do you do," she said, '' Elder, will you accept an invi- 
tation to go to our house to dinner? " '' Most assur- 
edly," was my reply. '^ Well, you can ride up with 
us." ''But," said I, "will it not be just as pleasant 
for you to ride with me, and let Bro. D. ride with your 
folks?" She replied, ''that will suit me exactly," 
On our way, I asked her if she did not think it would 
be a good thing to have a protracted meeting on the 
Hill. She said it might be a good thing for aught she 
knew, but she did not think it would be a success. I 
asked her why, stating that there were a good many 
young people there who ought to be converted to the 
Lord, and thus be prepared to meet their God in peace. 
" Perhaps," said she, " that is so, but then they are so 
rude I don't think a meeting would have much effect 
upon them." "Well," I asked, "who are the rudest 
among them ? " She replied, " I guess I am about as 
wild as any." I told her there was no doubt that 
many who had been as rude and thoughtless as herself, 
had sought the Lord and found the pearl of great price, 
and if she would do the same, it was possible she would 



I L 



256 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

not only lay up a treasure in heaven for herself, but 
she might be the means, in the hand of God, of leading 
others to the blessed Saviour, who had given his life a 
ransom for many. To this she did not make much 
reply. By this time we were in the lane near their 
dwelling. I told her I hoped she would think of these 
things, and act wisely her part in the drama of human 
life. After enjoying our dinner, we made our way 
back to Bro. D.'s. 

At the time of our next meeting Bro. Vannetten 
met me at Barton, agreeable to previous arrangement. 
I noticed that Miss V. accompanied her father to the 
depot. On our way home, I saw she appeared more 
thoughtful than on former occasions. The next day 
was our Fellowship Meeting at the Valley. While in 
conversation with her she asked, in rather a serious 
manner, ''"When are you going to have the meeting 
you spoke of here on the Hill ? " '^ I do not know as 
\Ye will have it at all," was my reply. She said she 
hoped I had decided to have a meeting there, — that 
she believed it would do good. I told her she need 
not wait for a protracted meeting, that if she wished 
to attend meeting she could go with us to the Fellowship 
Meeting, which would be a good place to let the people 
know that she desired to be a christian. " What," 
said she, ''I go to Fellowship Meeting?" ''Most 
certainly," Avas my reply. " What would the people 
say, to see me going to meeting on a week day? " " Xo 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 257 

matter what they say ; it is your privilege to go." ''I 
have not said that I desired to be a christian, have I ?" 
" You know better about that than I do ; the Lord 
knows whether you have such a desire or not." '' Do 
you think my parents would be willing for me to go to 
• the church ? " " Most certainly ; they would be happy 
to have you go. Will you go, if they are willing? " 
Her reply to this was, " I will decide when I know 
what they think about it." I then went into the 
kitchen and asked her mother if she would be willins; 
to have Betsy go to the Fellowship Meeting with us, 
'^ Why, yes," said she, "I would be glad to have her 
go. She can go as well as not if she will." I then 
w^ent out where her father was, and asked him what 
he thought about her going. '' Why," said he, " you 
can't get her to go." I remarked that she went to 
Barton yesterday, and the Valley was only half as far. 
"That is very true," replied Bro. V., ''but that is 
another thing altogether ; it would be no trouble to 
get her to go to Barton, but I would laugh to see you 
get her to Fellowship Meeting." " Well," said I, " tell 
her you would like to have her go, and see Avhat the 
result will be." While at the dinner table this matter 
was talked up, and perhaps some tears were shed. It 
was finally decided that she should accompany us, but 
when we got there she took a seat in the back part of 
the house, about as far from the others as she could 
reasonably get, but before the meeting closed she arose 



2o^ AUTOBIOGRArSY OF 

in humble penitence and said she desired to be a chris- 
tian, and hoped she might have the prayers and 
instruction of christians, that her sins might be for- 
given, and she become a true follower of the meek and 
lowly Saviour. Her resolution was firm and un- 
daunted, and she became actively engaged in the cause 
of religion. A young man who was paying his re- 
spects to her, likewise made a start in the cause of 

relioion. 

I I 
The next time I visited the place she expressed a i 

desire to be baptized. It was in December, 1865, the I 

weather cold and tedious. As I did not expect to \ 

administer the ordinance of baptism when I left home, ! 

I had no change of raiment, and in fact I felt that I j 

would iust as soon wait until the weather became more i 

i 
moderate. I reminded her of her delicate health, when i : 

i ' 
she remarked that she might not live till my next | 

appointment, and that she had no fear at all with | 
regard to going into the water. I conversed freely i | 
^vith her parents on the subject, and they were both \ 
of the opinion that if their daughter wished to be i ; 
baptized that they had no fear of its doing her any ! 
harm, and hoped that her desire would be granted ; j 
accordingly the next Sunday we repaired to the water, \ ; 
about two miles east of the village, near Bro. Daven- 
port's, where I baptized this young Sister Vannetten, 
Miss Eliza Gilkey, and a Mr. Evendon. There were 
many remarks mxado by the numerous spectators who 



0. p. ALDERMAN. , 259 

were gathered upon the banks of the stream. Some 
thought it was the next thing to committing suicide 
for such a pale faced lady to go dov»m into the cold 
water, while the whistling wind seemed to sound her 
requiem. That evening she had the pleasure of telling 
the congregation that the day that had just passed 
was the happiest day of her life. The next Tuesday 
she was actively engaged in a donation visit at her 
father's house, and the following Thursday she became 
the wife of Mr. Eobert Evendon. 

The following year I preached at Halsey Valley, and 
also to the church at Southport, N. Y., preaching 
alternate Sundays at each place. The Southport church 
was numerically small, but some of the good, working 
christians were among their number. Elder C. B. 
Palmer, who had been their pastor for years, was a 
good, honest, kind hearted man, highly respected by 
the entire community, but his health seemed to be 
failing and he was able to preach but little. The year 
rolled around very agreeably to me, and I judge it 
was the same with the church and friends in that 
community. We enjoyed a good revival season. I 
baptized twenty-one, and received about the same 
number into the church. I should have been happy 
to have stayed longer with this kind people, but cir- 
cumstances seemed to forbid. 

At this place I had the pleasure of renewing my 
acquaintance with Elder Levi Stone, a Baptist minister, 



260 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 



with whom I was acquainted in the days of our youth, 
before either of us made a profession of the religion of 
Jesus Christ. His father was a Baptist minister before 
hini^ and was pastor of the church to which my father 
belonged when Levi and myself were boys. After I 
heard that Levi had become a minister, I had an 
anxiety to hear him hold forth the truths of the Grospel. 
At Southport I met him for the first time after I had 
made a profession of religion. He had an appointment 
there and I went to hear him preach, but he persuaded 
me to fill the appointment for him. I tried again, and 
finally had the opportunity of hearing him. He had 
an appointment at South Creek at two o'clock, P. M,, 
and I had one at the same pla^e in the evening. He 
again urged me to speak, but I told him that as I had 
preached in the adjoining neighborhood in the forenoan,. 
and was to preach in the evening at this place, I should 
insist on enjoying the privilege of hearing him. He 
preached a good discourse, and it was a satisfaction to 
me to listen to the truth as proclaimed by one with 
whom I had been somewhat associated, in former days, 
when neither of us knew the joys of pardoned sin. 



CHAPTEE XXri. 

My insurance business continued to increase until it 
became both extensive and profitable. I think I en- 
joyed tbe confidence of all the companies for whom I 
did business, and also the confidence of the community 
at large. I was solicited by a company with which I 
had been connected for a number of years, to take the 
General Agency, and introduce the company into the 
State of Pennsylvania, and superintend the business 
there for the term of fifteen years. I entered into a 
contract of this character with the company, and ar- 
rangements were made with all possible dispatch for 
me to commence operations in my new territory. 

About two months before my time expired at Halsey 
Valley and Southport, I was informed by the Insurance 
Comipany that they were ready for me to enter upon 
my new field of labor in the insurance business. I 
made arrangements with the churches by furnishing a 
minister to take my place. 

I then advertised to sell the m^ost of our personal 
property at auction. The day of sale came, and it was 
rather a sad day to me, but I concealed as much as 
possible, what I called my childish feelings, but could 
only satisfy my mind by looking forward to the wealth 
that was almost within my grasp. While my horses. 



262 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



carriaores and other tliino;3 were sold under the ham- 
mer to the highest bidder, I made myself appear as 
cheerful as possible, but I did not fully realize that we 
were about to leave a quiet, peaceful home to engage 
in a life of toil, sadness, perplexity and disappointment. 
I did not move my family at once* into Pennsylvania, 
but went alone to commence business and select a loca- 
tion which would be pleasant to myself and family. In 
order to obtain the license of the Auditor General of 
Pennsylvania for a Foreign Insurance Company to do 
business in the State, I had to designate some point as 
my residence and place of business. Williamsport, in 
Lycoming County, was, at first, my headquarters, and 
was thus given to the Auditor General. The President 
of the company was with me at Harrisburg when the 
arrangement was being made. We were much sur- 
prised when we were informed that in addition to the 
previous requirement, to which we had responded, a 
bond must be executed with two sureties, endorsed by 
the proper authorities of the county in which the 
General Agent resided. Now came the tug of war, as 
we were both strangers in that locahty ; but this thing 
must be done before we could commence business. The 
President of the company asked me if I was acquainted 
with any responsible parties living in Williamsport. I 
told him I was not. The nearest I could come to it 
was that I had once attended a two days' meeting in 
Lycoming County, about ten miles from Willi amsport^. 



0. p. aldee:vIa:s\ 263 

but had little liope tliat I could find any one there who 
would be willing to sign such a bond. He said there 
was a business man there by the name of Coleman, 
with whom he was somewhat acquainted, and he was 
intimately acquainted with his father, who was a 
Methodist Clergyman, who was at this time living with 
his son. He would write a letter of introduction and 
commendation for me to present to Mr. Coleman, and 
perhaps he would assist in this matter. This was 
somewhat encouraging to me, as the President was also 
a Methodist minister, and I thought perhaps an influ- 
ence might be brought to bear that would induce Mr. 
Coleman to become my friend and aid in this matter. 
I hastened with my letter to Y/illiamsport, hunted up 
Mr. Coleman, and presented the letter to him. He 
gave me an introduction to his father, who was an 
aged, good-natured man, having the appearance of 
one who had been diligently engaged in the ministry, 
telling him I was an intimate friend of the Eev. K. M. 
Little, with whom he had been formerly associated in 
the ministry. Yv'^ith this aged veteran I should, doubt- 
less, ha;Ve enjoyed a pleasant and interesting interview, 
but my anxiety to know whether Mr. Coleman v/as 
going to do anything for me, did not leave much room 
for any other conversation. Mr. Coleman looked at the 
letter and then at me, as though he would like to know 
his duty in this case. He remarked that Mr. Little 
used to be a very good sort of a man, but how he was 



264 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

getting along at the present time he did not know ; 
asked me to give him as much information in that di- 
rection as I could. This I did, but was not able to say 
much, except his success in bringing the company into 
being, and the prosperity that had attended it. Mr. 
C. said he was willing to aid in such matters as far as 
he could do it with safety, and asked me who I was 
acquainted w^ith in Steuben County. I told him almost 
every man who resided there. He then asked if I 
knew John K. Ford. I answered, '^Yes." '^Well, 
what will Mr. Ford say about this ?" My reply was, 
'^ I hardly know what he would say." Mr. Coleman 
then said : ^^ If you are v/ell acquainted with Mr. 
Ford, you know whether he would say that I could 
safely sign this bond." I then said, '^ Mr. Ford will 
say that it is all right." ^Then," said he, " I will 
go with you and see if we can find another man who 
will be surety on this bond." We then called on Mr. 
Purdy, a first-class merchant, and after Mr. Coleman 
had given me an introduction, he related the circum- 
stances, and Mr. Purdy readily consented to sign the 
bond, which was soon filled out and signed. Mr. C. 
then said he would send the bond to Muncie, for the 
endorsement of the Prothonotary, and at the same 
time would send a letter to Mr. Ford, who would in- 
form him at once, and if favorable, he would have the 
bond for me on my return, properly endorsed. I started 
immediately for home, and the first man who met my 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 265 

eye on the arrival of tlie cars at Campbell, was Mr. 
Ford, who was standing in the door of the depot. I 
immediately handed him the letter. He wrote a few 
words saying " all right," and the letter was dropped 
into the Post-office, to find its way back to Mr. Coleman. 
In a few days I returned to Williamsport, found the 
bond had been forwarded to the Auditor General, and 
in a few days my certificate empowering me to do bus- 
iness in the State of Pennsylvania was received. I 
immediately commenced appointing Agents, giving 
them the proper instruction ; at the same time I was 
looking for a desirable location for my family. I had 
met Elder Jacob Rodenbaugh, who lived at LcAvisburg, 
Pa., at the Tioga Eiver Christian Conference, held at 
Trumbull's Corners, N. Y., and I decided I would visit 
him at my earliest convenience, and become more ac- 
quainted with him, and soon I made it in my Avay 
to visit him. I was cordially welcomed to his dwell- 
ing, and formed the acquaintance of his kind and 
intelligent family. Here I met Elder S. H. Morse for 
the first time. He had come there for the purpose of 
holding a series of meetings with Elder Rodenbaugh. 
The meeting was to commence that evening and I de- 
sired to enjoy it with them, but as there was a dona- 
tion visit appointed at Halsey Valley, !N". Y., the next 
evening, for my benefit, it was necessar}'^ for me to take 
the early evening train from Lewisburg to arrive at 
the donation in time. 



2C6 AUTOBIOGHAniY OF 

I readied the Valley in time to enjoy the donation 
and then went on my way, doing business as fast as 
circumstances would allow, and returned to Lewisburg I | 
in about three weeks from the time of my first visit. 
Elder Morse was about closing the meeting. I heard 
him preach his farewell sermon on Sunday, and in the 
evening I made an eff'ort to preach. I found Lewis- 
burg to be a very quiet, moral town, for one containing 
some four thousand inhabitants. Here was also a good 
Christian Church, and I soon found myself surrounded 
b}^ warm-hearted friends who seemed anxious that I 
should move among them, and I thought perhaps I 
w^ould, but could not make the decision then. 

I now decided to visit Elder Z. M. Ellis, who resided 
near Warrensville, a little towm about eight miles from 
Williamsport. I had formed the acquaintance of Elder 
Ellis at the time he was laboring in New York, — had 
met him at Cameron, Thurston, Howard, and Hornby. 
I also came by his request to attend a two days' meet- 
ing, wdien he was laboring with the Lycoming Church, 
at Anthony, in Lycoming county. Pa. This was a year 
or more before I engaged to the insurance company to 
operate in Pennsylvania. He had engaged me to 
attend the meeting above referred to, at a given time, 
instructing me to take the Northern Central Pailroad 
at Elmira, for Cogan Valley, and some one would meet 
me there on the arrival of the morning train, which 
left Elmira at an early hour. I v/ent to Elmira the 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 267 

evening previous, and tlie next morning before day- 
light, was on my way, and arrived at Cogan Valley 
before eight o'clock, A. m. I looked about, and inquired 
for some one from Anthony, in the vicinity of the 
Christian Church, but could find no one. I had a good 
appetite for breakfast, and money enough to pay for 
the same, and accordingly called for my breakfast, 
which was soon in readiness, and while I was enjoying 
it in came Elder Ellis, who w^as on his way to the meet- 
ing at Anthony. He seemed much surprised that 
there was no one there to convey me to the place of 
meeting, — said he supposed that Bro. Williamson would 
be there on the arrival of the tr?in. After I had 
finished my breakfast, the Elder said tha.t I might ride 
on his carriage, and he ysrould walk until we were 
better provided for, — that he had some friends about 
one and a half miles from there, and he could walk 
that distance without suff'ering much inconvenience. 
When I saw his carriage I really thought it was the 
most peculiar looking craft I ever saw, to convey a 
man through the country. There were two long, 
wooden springs attached to the gearmg very near the 
forward wheels, which were, by the way, far ahead of 
the hind ones. As they extended back they came 
nearer together, until a seat v/as placed upon them just 
wide enough to accommodate one man, in case he was 
not very large. I expressed my fears with regard to 
trying to ride on such a concern as this, and asked him 



2G8 A-UTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

if it ever kicked up. After lie assured me it was safe 
I climbed on, and after I was nicely seated and about 
ready to start over the red soil, wbicli was new to me, 
I gave a hearty laugh, and told the Elder I would give 
a half dollar now, if my wife could see me in my pre- 
sent situation, starting off on this long geared wheel- 
barrow. 

After proceeding some distance we saw a man coming 
in a buggy, who Elder Ellis said was Bro. Williamson, 
on his way to the depot after me. We soon met Bro. 
W., who made his excuse for being so late, and turning 
about I took a seat with him, and felt quite at home as 
far as riding was concerned. We made our way on- 
ward through that rough, broken region, until we 
arrived at the good home of Bro. Williamson, in a 
mountain nest about eight miles from the station at 
Cogan Valley. We there ate our dinner and enjoyed 
ourselves the best we could until meeting time. 

The evening came and I found myself before a large 
congregation, seemingly anxious to hear what the 
stranger would say. I asked Elder E. to announce 
the hymns and offer prayer, and I would do the best I 
could in trying to preach to the waiting crowd. He 
said they would expect me to offer prayer. I judged 
from the style of the pulpit, that the minister stood 
while offering prayer. It was my custom to kneel, but 
on this occasion, I thought it proper to stand up, and 
did so, but to my astonishment, the entire congregation 



O. p. ALDERMAN. 269 

were on their knees. This was new to me, having 
never seen the like before. I was a httle embarrassed 
under these circumstances, but made the best I could 
of it. 

The meeting was interesting from the commencement 
to the close. The brethren were anxious that I should 
remain and hold a series of meetings with them, and 
I learned that this was their expectation, but circum- 
stances with me would not allow. They were not at 
all willing to let me go until I would set a time when I 
would return, and hold a series of meetings with them. 
I felt that I could sympathize v/ith Elder Ellis when 
he, with sadness, remarked to the congregation that, 
" we are doomed to disappointment this time, but Bro. 
A. has agreed to return a few weeks later and stay 
awhile with us." It was at this meeting that I formed 
the acquaintance of Elder Peter Casner, and was much 
interested in hearing him sing. I did not have the 
privilege of hearing him preach, but he was really a 
good singer. Just before the time for my second visit 
to that place, while away from home, the citizens of our 
town, at a regular caucus, put me in nomination for 
Supervisor of the town. I returned home on town- 
meeting day, and it was nearly night when I stepped off 
the cars at Campbell, where I was informed that I 
ought to have been in my own town before that time 
of day, that the people were running me for the highest 
office the town afforded. On my arrival home I was 



270 AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 

informed that I was elected, and my friends told me 
that I must not go back on tliem, that they told the 
people I would serve if elected, and they were very 
anxious to defeat a man who, they thought, had been 
using unfair means to secure his election. There 
seemed to be no way but to qualify. There was busi- 
ness to attend to just at the time I was to meet Bro. 
Ellis again at Anthony. This caused me much regret, 
but I wrote Bro. Ellis and informed him that circum- 
stances were such that I should be under the necessity 
of disappointing them again. In about two weeks 
Bro. Ellis wrote me that the disappointment was great 
to them, — that they could hardly determine what 
course to pursue,but as the people were anxious for a 
meeting, Elder Oasner and himself decided they would 
continue the meeting a few evenings. The result was 
glorious. About eighty made a start in the good 
cause. I thought a good inference might be drawn 
from this circumstance, that is this: that we should 
not depend too much on foreign help. The lark could 
rest contented with her young in the meadow while 
the farmer was expecting help to mow it down, for 
after he had been disappointed once the lark thought 
he might be again, and also again ; but when she heard 
the farmer say, " Come boys, we must mow the meadow 
ourselves," the lark thought it time to start, for the 
farmer himself was now going to work; so if 'the 
ministers who are located would put forth extra efforts 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 271 

as occasion may require, much good might be done by 
them that the stranger gets credit for. If I had gone 
there as was expected, and there had been as many 
converted, the people, with one consent, would join in 
lauding the new minister, and he would have borne 
away the laurels. 

Now while my headquarters was at Williamsport, 
so near to Elder E., the scenes of the past had been 
revived, and I decided that the next Friday I would 
visit him and remain over Sunday. He seemed very 
glad to see me, and soon said they could circulate an 
appointment for evening service. This Avas done, and 
a fair congregation was present. I preached again 
Saturday evening, and also Sunday morning. I was 
anxious to form the acquaintance of as many of the 
brethren as possible during the time I could stay, and 
8.S it was necessary for me to be at Williamsport on 
Monday morning. Elder E. said he would take me out 
as far as Bro. Enoch Winner's, who lived four miles 
from Williamsport ; then I could form his acquaintance 
and he would take me to the city the next morning. 
We had traveled only a mile or two when Ellis said, 
'' There coDies Bro. Winner and his wife, now." We 
soon met, and Bro. W. said they were on their way to 
Warrensville to meeting. They had heard that a 
stranger had come, and were in hopes to hear him 
preach that evening. Bro. Ellis told Bro. Winner that 
he might take the stranger home with him and get all 



272 AUTOBIOGRAPIiY OF 

the information from him he could, so both parties 
turned about, I took a seat in Bro. W.'s buggy and left 
the Elder to return home alone. Before we -parted I 
was informed that the minister who had preached to 
them the past year had closed his labors and gone, and 
they desired to secure the labors of some minister for 
the present year. Elder Ellis asked if my services 
could be obtained for one-half the time. I informed 
him I could not visit them as often as each alternate 
Sunday, but if they could do no better perhaps I could 
supply the pulpit every fourth Sunday, in case they 
could pay me a reasonable sum for so doing. The 
amount was named, and the Elder said he would coun- 
sel with the friends and write me in a few days. The 
letter soon came informing me that the amount was 
raised, and they wished me to commence as soon as 
possible. I governed myself accordingly, and soon 
commenced my labors with them, and was much 
pleased with the congregation which assembled from 
time to time to hear the gospel preached. 

The next time I visited Lewisburg I made arrange- 
ments to move my family there, and soon we were 
residents of Lewisburg, nicely situated in a pleasant 
part of the borough, surrounded by warm-hearted 
friends. Lewisburg, with all its advantages and pleas- 
ant scenery, did not really seem like home to myself 
or family. I was really homesick, but did not make 
much fuss about it, thinking I would soon get over it, 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 273 

and enjoy myself as well as when living in my old 
home. I was traveling much of the time, so that 1 
hardly had time to consider whether I really felt at 
home or not. My business was not fully settled up in 
New York, and I was going to and fro from my old 
home, now occupied by our oldest daughter and her 
husband. I was now busily engaged in the business 
affairs of the world, as active and attentive to my 
business as though I was a man of the world. On the 
first day of January, 1868, I was at my old home, 
working at reports and accounts to get them in due 
form. On Saturday the fourth, I deposited in the bank 
at Bath about two thousand dollars in cash and notes. 
I then went to meet one of my former agents, B. B. 
Crane, at Elmira, and went with him to see Elder 
C. B. Palmer, who lived six miles from the city. The 
next morning we returned to Elmira, where I. bid my 
old friend good-bye, and then went to Waverly to 
counsel with J. C. Hallett, an agent for the company, 
with regard to a loss that had occurred in that vicinity. 
I then went to Barton, where Elder A. Bourne met 
me and conveyed me to his residence in Halsey Valley. 
The next evening I attended a donation held in the 
church for his benefit. Here I met many with whom I 
had been previously associated in church relations. 
Since I closed ray labors as a minister at this place the 
church edifice had been remodeled and much improved. 
The next morning, January 9th, we had a cold and 



274 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

tedious ride to Barton. I there took the cars to Elmira, 
where I met Mrs. Alderman, and we stayed over night 
with Bro. A. ]\Ioore, who was an intimate friend of 
ours, and once a member of the Christian Church at 
Eowleyville. We had a good visit there, and arose 
and took our breakfast at four o'clock the next morn- 
ing, and then took the train and went home, and in 
the evening listened to a sermon delivered by a 
Unitarian minister from Northumberland. I was much 
interested in the man, more than I was in his sermon ; 
he was really a fine fellow. 

On Saturday evening I made an effort to preach a 
revival sermon, and the next day I preached morning 
and evening. We enjoyed an interesting time, — four 
came forward. The next evening I preached again, 
and others made a start. I preached one evening more, | I 
the interest was good, but my attention was too much j 
engaged in business to devote much time to revival j 
meetings. I 

On Friday, January 17th, I went to Wyoming, where | I 
I found it necessary to make new arrangements with j 
agents. A man by the name of B.oushey, living in 
Dallas, was recommended as a competent man for that | 
locality, and I gave him the appointment, and then I 
returned home in time to hear Elder Kodenbaugh j 
preach the next Sunday morning, ilt three o'clock, p.m., 
we went down to the river, where Bro. E. immersed | 
eight converts. I occupied the pulpit in the evening. 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 275 

I had made an arrangement witli Elder Z. M. Ellis 
to meet him at Sulphur Springs, in Perry county, Pa., 
for the purpose of holding a series of meetings. I had 
visited this place once and was much pleased with the 
people who assembled there for worship. Elder Ellis 
had gone to commence the meeting, and being anxious 
to join him as soon as possible, I ordered my mail for- 
warded to Newport that I might attend to my business 
while the meeting was in progress, and the next morn- 
ing I started for Newport and arrived there about 
three o'clock, p. M., and found a friend to convey me 
to the place of meeting. Some had expressed their 
fears that there would be no revival on account of some 
trouble between two of the leading members of the 
church. 

When we arrived the congregation was singing. I 
had a fair view of Bro. Ellis as he was sitting in the 
pulpit, before he saw me, and judged from his counte- 
nance that he was not much encouraged about the 
success of the meeting. As I entered the house he 
saw me and seemed much pleased, and said at once 
that I must preach. After service we went to Bro. 
John Kough's and counseled together as to the best 
course to pursue under the circumstances. Ellis was 
faithless with regard to the success of the meeting, 
and suggested that he would leave and let me engineer 
the matter. John said that would not do at all^ — that 
it would require all the team we had to draw the wagon 



276 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

over the liill Diffi^culty. We contini:ied tlie meeting 
"until the next Sunday evening, and on Monday started 
for home. Elder Ellis stopped at Lewisburg and stayed 
with us over night. The next morning, he bid us 
good-bye and started for Warrensville. 

Soon after he left I decided to go back and make 
another effort. I v/rote one of the brethren, saying I 
did not want them to think I was crazy, I believed I 
was sane and clothed in my right mind, and they might 
announce an appointment for me the following Friday 
evening,, and expect me to stay over the following 
Sunday. The- people seemed glad when I returned, 
but did not much expect there would be any revival. 
I continued the meetings until the nexi Tuesday even- 
ing, when two arose, declaring their desire to become- 
Christians. Many were serious and would acknowledge 
in private conversation that they ought to be Christians,- 
but eould see nothing encouraging for them to start, 
while old professors and those belonging to the same 
church had such feelings of enmity toward each other. 

At our next Eellowship Meeting at Warrensville 
there came two men^ one ' a minister^ calling them- 
selves " Evangelicals," but more generally known as 
"Albrip-hts." The minister informed Elder E. that 
he was holding a series^ of meetings in the school-house 
at Loyal Sock,, that there was a good revival in pro- 
gress, and as he had to be absent on Sunday, he would 
like to have Elder Ellis or myself preach and conduct 



O. p. AL DEEM AN Ai / 

tlie services on Sunday evening ; and that the people 
v/ould like to have the new minister, Elder Alderman, 
if such an arrangement could be made. Elder Ellis 
proposed that he preach at Warrensville and I go to 
Loyal Sock, as requested. This being agreed to, our 
visiting brethren returned, to give an appointment for 
me on Sunday night. 

On my arrival in the neighborhood I was informed 
that it was the request of the preacher in charge that 
I should conduct the meeting in the same manner that 
he had the previous meetings, — that at the close of the 
sermon an invitation be given for those who wished 
the prayers of the followers of the Lamb., to come 
forward and kneel at the altar. I had noticed in 
meetings that I had held in this region, that when 
persons responded to_ the call to arise or come forward, 
they would, on coming forward, kneel at once at the 
altar, and remain on their knees until the close of 
service. 

I had heard much about this people called "'^Al- 
brights, " — that they had some very peculiar exercises 
during their religious devotion. Had heard that when 
the young ladies came forward, the older ones would 
remove their bonnets aiid unloose their clothes, so that 
they could go through the exercise of a gymnastic 
with freedom. I supposed, however, that such state- 
m.ents were exaggerations, but Elder Ellis said he pre- 
sumed that such was the case, and I need not be 



278 AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 

frightened if I witnessed similar proceedings. That 
he exercised charity only from the fact of their igno- 
rance, — that some really supposed they could not be 
christians unless they screamed with all their might, 
and gave signs of mental agony by constantly being 
in motion when they were seeking the Lord. 

The hour of service arrived and I was in the desk, 
before a crowded assembly. I preached to them as 
well as I could, then invited them forward. There 
were five came and knelt at the altar of prayer. I 
noticed that an elderly lady removed the bonnets of 
the females, and what more she did to make them 
comfortable and prepare them for their duty, I could 
not tell. After singing we bowed down, many in the 
congregation kneeling, and I made an effort to lead in 
prayer. Soon it seemed to me there was more confu- 
sion than anything else. I could neither hear myself 
nor any one else pray. I soon arose from my knees 
and saw the desk was occupied by young ladies. As 
I looked that way as though I would sit down, they 
sat a little closer together and made room for me to 
sit down with them. I did so, and enjoyed a very 
good visit, as we could talk loud- enough for common 
conversation v/ithout disturbing any one. I noticed 
that during prayer those forward were in motion con- 
tinually, their arms extended, and some with their fists 
clenched, as though they were warding off the blows 
of an enemy, — the females shaking their heads,, to- 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 279 

getlier with, other exercises, until their faces were 
covered with their hair. One young man directly in 
front of me would bow his head nearly to the floor, 
then raise it up and throw it back as far as he could, 
exclaiming '^ Dear Father ! Dear Father ! " I asked 
the ladies with whom I was conversing, why they did 
not occupy the meeting-house, which was near by. 
They replied it was not open for such performances as 
this. Occasionally some one would commence singing, 
when vocal prayer would cease and all would join in 
the song of praise. While singing, those forward 
w^ould remain quiet, as though they were enjoying a 
rest, but as soon as prayer commenced again, they 
were all immediately in motion. 

This exercise continued over an hour, when one of 
the brethren remarked to me that it was time to close 
the meeting. I told him I must confess I did not know 
how to wind up such an exercise. "Well," said he, 
" I presume you are not used to so much, noise, but I 
was converted in such a meeting as this." I replied 
that I knew of no such examples as this in the New 
Testament. " You must," said he, " arise and call 
them to order ; they will understand it at once." I 
arose and exclaimed, " Yes, yes ! yes ! " They all 
immediately arose, and the meeting was brought to a 
close. 

I went to Merchantville to attend to unsettled busi- 
ness. I had sold my farm on the hill. The purchaser 



280 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

had failed to meet tlie payments, was taken ill, and 
had left the vicinity. This was perplexing to me ; 
other matters with debtors and agents were also very 
trying, and it required time and money to get matters 
properly adjusted. 

On Saturday afternoon, February 23d, I was at 
Horseheads, N. Y. This was the day for Fellowship 
Meeting at Warrensville, and my appointment was 
there the next morning. I took the first train passing 
that way and arrived at Williamsport about midnight. 
The next morning I hired a lad to take me to Enoch 
Winner's, which was about half the way. Winner 
and his wife had gone to the meeting. The son said 
he could fix up a conveyance to take me over, and did 
so. The next Monday I went to Harrisburg. Bro. 
Landis met me at the depot, and I went to his pleasant 
home, where I received a dispatch from the insurance 
company instructing me to transact some business at 
the capitol. I attended to this at once, then spent the 
evening with Bro. Landis in and about the capitol. 
The following day I returned home in time to meet the 
Bible Class at Sister Hand's. 

The time had come when a new bond must be made 
to the Commonwealth, and as I had changed my place 
of business from Lycoming to Union county, the bond 
must now be executed in Union county. I named the 
matter to Elder B^odenbaugh, who replied at once that 
he would be one of the sureties, and he presumed Will 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 281 

Ham Moore would be the other. I called on Mr. M., 
and had hardly made my request knoAvn when he 
replied, '' Yes, with pleasure." The bond was executed 
and endorsed by the proper officers of the county. 

I was expected at Ellington, JST. Y., the next Satur- 
day to commence a series of meetings, and there was 
much to be done before I could go. Friday morning, 
took the early train to Williamsport in company with 
Henry, my son. He stopped off at Linden ; I arrived 
at Emporium, a little after one o'clock, and called on 
iT. Day, Esq., an acquaintance of mine who formerly 
lived at Painted Post, N. Y., thinking perhaps he 
could aid me in establishing an agency at that point. 
He recommended Dr. Samuel Gibson as a competent 
man for the agency. I gave him the appointment, and 
after looking over the town with him, I retired to rest 
and arose again at half-past one o'clock and took the 
train for Corry, where we arrived at eight o'clock in 
the morning. I called on Messrs. Palmer & Oakley, 
our agents, and at three o'clock, p. m., went to James- 
town, IST.Y., and then to Kennedy. There had recently 
been a heavy rain, the snow was fast wasting away, 
and it looked much like a flood. I met a stranger there 
who lived at Ellington, who said he must go home if 
possible, and if he could get through he would take me 
with him. We had a tedious time getting through. 
His cutter answered a very good purpose as a boat. 

We arrived at Pro. A. M. P. Maynard's at ten o'clock. 



282 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 

P. M., and found the family had retired. All was quiet 
about the premises. I aroused them from their slum- 
bers, and was met with a hearty welcome. Sunday, 
March 8th, I preached at Ellington morning and 
evening to small congregations. It really seemed that 
it was not advisable to continue the meetings under the 
circumstances. I remained here and at Cherry Creek, 
preaching as much as I thought advisable, until Mon- 
day, the 16th, then went to Merchantville. From 
there I went to Caton ; stayed with Bro. Van Orsdale. 
Here I had the pleasure of enjoying a short interview 
with Bro. Elisha Ellis, whom I had previously baptized. 
He had commenced speaking in public, and it was a 
consolation to me to hear him declare his intentions to 
spend his life in the service of God. 



! 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

The traveling was so bad while at Ellington and 
Cherry Creek, that I agreed to return and spend an- 
other Sunday. On Saturday morning I arrived at 
Kennedy in time to take breakfast with Bro. Martin 
Lawrence. Bro. Brainard came and took me to Ell- 
ington to Bro. M. Billings' just in time to enjoy a meal 
of warm sugar. We attended the Fellowship Meeting 
in the afternoon; Elder Cornell, a Baptist Minister, 
was present and enjoyed the meeting with us. 

The next morning after commencing my discourse at 
Cherry Creek, I said I would like to say more upon a 
point under consideration, but must be brief in view of 
the appointment at Ellington. At this Bro. Shattuck 
spoke out, saying, " Go on. Elder, only give me a 
straight hour to take you to Ellington." He took me 
to my appointment in time. 

On Thursday, April 16th, I went to Northumberland 
and staid with Eev. A. Porter, the Unitarian Minister 
of that place. I was now on my way to Dallas to 
adjust a loss which had recently occurred near J. C. 
Roushey's. I left my carpet bag at a store near the 
depot, telling the merchant I was intending to take the 
express train in the morning for Kingston, where I had 
written Poushey to meet me. The merchant said that 



284 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

would be all right, tliat tliey would be in tbe store in 
time. I enjoyed a fine visit witb Bro. Porter until we 
supposed it to be about thirty minutes to train time. 
I then hastened down, got my carpet bag, and thanked 
the man for his kindness, when he said, ^' I thought 
you were going to Kingston this morning ?" I replied, 
" That is my intention." Said he, " Are you going to 
walk up ?" ^' No," I replied, " I am going on the cars." 
'^ Why," said he, '^ they have been gone some twenty 
minutes; I don't think you can catch them." ^'Did 
they start before their time ?" " ISTo, they only changed 
the time, and now start some thirty minutes earlier 
than last week." This was quite perplexing to me, 
as I was sure Koushey would be there in waiting on 
the arrival of the train, and I thought of the man who 
had sustained the loss by fire who would be worried, 
thinking he would never get his pay. Matters looked 
quite gloomy, but I thought I would not worry myself 
sick nor abuse any one because I had thus been left. 
As Eoushey lived ten miles from Kingston I was not 
sure a telegram would reach him, but I sent a dispatch 
for him to wait for the evening train, describing him, 
as nearl}^ as I could, that the operator might recognize 
him. Then I thought I would go up to Porter's and 
make an insurance agent of him, and go out with him 
soliciting, and thus pass ofi* the day, but be sure and be 
on hand in time to take the evening train. I was suc- 
cessful in this effort, and at half past four o'clock, P. 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 285 

M. I took the train for Kingston, and arrived there at 
about half past eight. I looked sharp for Eoushey but 
could not see him. I then asked the operator if such 
a dispatch came. He said the dispatch came but was 
not delivered. He could find no such looking man as 
was described; — that he went into the crowd on the 
arrival of the train and called for Eoushey, but no one 
responded. I was now quite certain that I would have 
to put up at a hotel and stay there over Sunday, or else 
travel on that day, which was by no means a pleasant 
thought to me. I went to a hotel near by and put up 
for the night. I was not at all pleased with the fare, 
besides there was a continual noise on the outside of 
the house. The noise sounded like that of drunken 
rioters. They screamed, stamped, jumped up and 
down, and made a fearful noise until about two o'clock, 
when they departed and all was quiet. I arose quite 
early, thinking I must soon decide what course to pur- 
sue. I went out upon the platform at the depot and 
found several greenbacks torn in pieces. I gathered 
up some of the pieces and found that with two parts I 
could make a five dollar bill, and with several other 
pieces I could make a two dollar bill. I thought that 
finding this money was good luck, and not the efi'ect of 
good financiering. 

After a little consideration I started for Eoushey 's 
on foot. I had walked nearly half the way and was 
about tired out, when as I was passing a house, a man 



286 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

came out and walked toward his barn. I asked him if 
he knew Carr Eoushey. '^ Yes/' was the reply. "How 
far does he live from here ?" " About five miles, sir." 
" Well, sir, how much will you ask to hitch up a horse 
and take me there ?" "I will take you within three- 
quarters of a mile of him for four shillings." I said, 
'' Agreed, and I hope you will soon be ready to start." 
^'But," said he, "we will have some dinner before we 
go. It will soon be ready, and then as soon as we eat 
Vv^e will be on our way." I concluded he did not intend 
to speculate much out of me, — that if he gave me my 
dinner, and then conveyed me five miles for half a dol- 
lar, I could not see as he would have much margin in 
his favor. I did not feel at all pleasant in doing as I 
was on Sunday, but thought the quicker I could get to 
Roushey's the better, and hoping all the time that I 
v/ould have the privilege of attending service in the 
evening. Knowing that Eoushey was a professor, 
thought I should feel quite at home when I got there. 
I learned by the man I rode with that he was going 
in that direction, so it was no loss to him. As I drew 
nigh, Roushey's son ran and met me and took my bag- 
gage, saying he guessed I must be tired if I had walked 
from Kingston. He said, " I was there yesterday 
after you, but as you did not come I went home, feeling 
quite sad." I asked him if he heard the operator in- 
quiring for Eoushey, about the time the train arrived. ' 
He replied that he did not, as he was not very near, 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 287 

but where he could see me if I got off tlie cars, so I no 
longer blamed the agent. 

On Monday it rained all day, so that all that was 
done was to look over the business of his agency. The 
next day we went and investigated the loss of Erastus 
Eggleson, and returned, and the following day Roushey 
went with me to Wyoming. I then went to Scranton, 
and unexpectedly met Elder Hayes, with whom I had 
a short but pleasant interview. He Jaanded me five 
dollars to partially remunerate me for filling some ap- 
pointments for him at Plymouth, where he lived, and at 
Providence where he was preaching a portion of the 
' time. I then went by rail to Stroudsburg. There was 
j I much scenery on this route that attracted my attention, 
especially the Barrens, a large tract of territory covered 
I I with nothing but stones and a very little shrubbery. 
I was informed by a man on the train who had lived in 
that region for many years, that this land was sold for 
I taxes and bid ofi" by some sharpers living in Philadel- 
j I phia, who soon came into that region with their feathers 
i and ruffled shirts, and hired a pilot to take them to 
i their new lands, that they might feast their eyes on 
1 their new riches. When their land was exhibited to 
I them it had a serious effect. One of them vomited as 
freely as though he had taken an emetic, while another 
remarked that the land had been sold for taxes once, 
and he guessed it would be again. I was much pleased 
with the citizens of Stroudsburg on account of their 



288 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

kindness and familiarity. I appointed an agent, then 
took the train to Easton, from there to Bethlehem and 
thence to Allentown, where I arrived in the evening. 
Stayed at the Allen House. 

It was now Thursday night and I had an appoint- 
ment at Sulphur Springs on Saturday night, and also 
the Sunday following. I hardly knew what route to 
take for Newport, but was sure if I could get to Har- 
risburg on Saturday by one o'clock, I could then reach 
Sulphur Springs in time. I desired to visit Pottsville 
this trip, if possible, and inquired of the landlord if I 
could reach Pottsville that day, and then get a train 
from there to Harrisburg before or about noon. He 
told me I could take a train that would get me to 
Mauch Chunk about noon, where I could take th& 
Gravity Railroad to the summit, then the stage to 
Mautauqua, where I could, after about an hour, get a 
train to Pottsville, and could easily get to Harrisburg 
the next forenoon. He also said that he thought I 
would have an hour at Mauch Chunk. This news pleased 
me, as I desired to spend a little time there, and also at 
Mautauqua. 

I soon found an agent at Allentown, then took the 
train to Mauch Chunk, where I was informed that if I 
went on the Gravity Road I would only have time for 
dinner, which was now ready ; and as my appetite was 
good, thought I would make sure of my dinner. I had 
taken my seat at the table, and just began to exercise 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 289 

tlie knife and fork, when some one opened the door and 
exclaimed, '^All aboard for the Gravity Eailroad." 
I told them I could not eat a dollar's worth in less than 
no time, and that I proposed to finish my dinner before 
I left. " Well," he says, '' you will have to go up the 
hill on foot then." I finished my dinner and still found 
a hack in readiness to convey me to the point where the 
cars started. While riding up this rugged way, sur- 
rounded by romantic scenery, I noticed a railroad track 
up a very steep hill. I asked the driver if that was 
the Gravity Eailroad. He replied that it was. It 
was, I thought, the most fearful looking road I ever 
saw. I asked him if it was possible to run an engine 
up that hill. He answered no, that the engine was on 
top of the hill, and the cars were drawn up by means 
of a metal strap about nine inches wide. I told him I 
guessed we might as well go back, for I did not fancy 
the idea of riding up such a tremendous hill in that 
v/ay. " Why," said I, ^' suppose the strap should break 
when about half way up ; what would become of the 
cars and passengers ?" " They would stay just where 
they were when the strap broke, until another was put 
in its place," he replied. I thought there must be some 
witchery about that, and asked him if he would explain 
to my understanding. He then said there was a safety 
car attached to the rear of the passenger cars, with one 
man on it, who could, any instant, drop a break that 
would hold the whole concern. This still looked mys- 



290 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

terious to me, and I was sure if Mrs. Alderman was 
with me that w^e should never go up that hill in that 
style. 

When we arrived at the starting point I examined 
the road and machinery, and became satisfied that I 
had been rightly informed, and it was all safe. I took 
my seat in the car with other passengers, and I thought 
if they did not fall out I could stay in. I noticed the 
ladies put their waterproofs over their heads, and made 
them close about their bodies ; and the gentlemen but- 
toned their overcoats from top to bottom, and drew 
their shawls closely about them. For my part I thought 
it was comfortably warm, and yet I thought that per- 
haps when among Eomans I had better do as they did, 
so I followed their example as nearly as I could. The 
signal was given, and away we went up that hill, like 
chariots running to battle. I soon understood the 
cause of the passengers making themselves as warm as 
possible, for the wind was piercing cold, and it almost 
seemed that the head car would fall over the others, 
the hill was so steep. Soon we were in the building 
covering the engine, on the top of the hill. I sup- 
posed, of course, a locomotive would now be attached, 
but soon we started on without any locomotive or 
anything of the kind, and away we went at good speed, 
but for my life I could not see what was drawing us — 
could see no strap on the road as I could when coming 
up the hill. This was very mysterious to me. I had 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 291 

keard much of the Gravity Eoad, and supposed I knew 
what gravity and gravitation meant, but it had not 
occurred to me to apply the definition of the terms to 
this ease. When the conductor came around to collect 
the fare, I told him I would like to see the horse that 
was drawing us. He -said, ^^ We don't trouble ourselves 
to exhibit our team to passengers." I told him I was 
really enjoying the ride, but would feel better if I 
could see or understand the machine that was moving 
us on so rapidly. He looked at me quite earnestly and 
said, ^' Do you not understand the power by which we 
run." I told him I did not " Well," said he, " it is 
the power of gravitation." I then understood the 
matter in one minute, and was provoked at myself to 
think that I had been so dumb. He further said that 
it was a cold route over this high hill, but if I could 
come this route in July or August I would enjoy it 
much better. " Many come from the cities during the 
summer months, and take the round trip with us from 
Mauch Chunk to Mautauqua and return. Our road 
back is much warmer than this, at the present time, 
for we run beneath the hill on our return." This was 
my first acquaintance with gravity railroads. 

I had about an hour at Mautauqua, appointed an 
agent there, and then stepped on the cars for Pottsville, 
arriving there a little before night. Here I was much 
interested in the manner in which the passengers were 
invited to the different hotels. The hackmen were 



292 AUTOBIOGEAPHY OP 

colored men, mostly large in size. They were not 
allowed to come on the platform. There was a sort of 
picket fence which separated them from the passengers, 
but they cried alond, co-nstantly exclaiming, " Go to 
my house, sir ? " The next morning I pushed on for 
Harrisburg, and arrived there a little before eleven 
o'clock, A. M.,— called on some of the agents there, 
and, at one o'clock, took the train for Newport and 
arrived at Sulphur Springs in time for my evening 
appointment. Preached there the next day, morning 
and evening. On Monday I returned home. 

While relating the history of my trip to my wife, 
and telling her how unlucky I had been, and on that 
account spent one Sunday on the road, she said it was 
all mismanagement, that there was no luck about it. 
I told her I thought it was unlucky that I was at Bro. 
Porter's, when I ought to have been at the d-epot. She 
said a business man ought to know before he sleeps 
what time the train that he expects to go on will leave 
in the morning, — no luck, — all neglect. I said that it 
seemed a little unlucky to me, to be so far from friends, 
with so little money. '^ When men go from home they 
ought to have money enough to stay out one day 
longer than they expected." " That," said I, " depends 
upon their luck." She still insisted that there was no 
luck in the matter, — that good calculations, carried 
into effect, would cause what I called good luck. 
" Well," said I, '' in this gloomy hour, I had the good 



O. p. ALDEEMAN. 293 

calculation to find seven dollars in greenbacks. ISTow, 
do you really think that was because I had managed 
well, since I started from home? " 

On Saturday, May 2d, I went to Antis Fort, where 
I had an appointment that evening, and also on the 
following Sunday. Antis Fort is a little town at the 
depot, where the hacks meet passengers, and convey 
them over to Jersey Shore, a distance of two miles. 
Bro. John Griggs lives at the depot, keeps a Pilgrim's 
Hotel there. While I was enjoying my supper at Bro. 
Griggs', he came in and said that I had an invitation 
to preach at the Baptist house at Jersey Shore, the 
next morning, — that their pastor was absent, and they 
expected a minister from Lewisburg on the train, but 
he did not come, — that no one but yon got off the 
train who looked anything like a minister, I said that 
I guessed there was no minister came up from Lewis- 
burg, — that I knew all who came over in the hack 
except one, and he was an Irishman. I did not take 
him to be a minister of the gospel, but then we can't 
always tell what is covered up with dry goods, hats 
and boots. Bro, Griggs replied that th^ deacon who 
was looking for the minister saw that raw Irishman, 
but no one supposed him to be a preacher. Some of 
the company present spoke against my going to Jersey 
Shore, — that my appointment was understood to be at 
this place, and it would be a disappointment to many 
in case I failed to fill it; but Bro. Griggs thought 



294 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

perhaps I had better go over^ — that he would like to 
have the people there hear one Christian sermon, and 
the door was now opened, — that the morning appoint- 
ment here could be taken up this evening, and, as we 
were to have services again Sunday evening, it was 
his opinion that I had better go. I told him I was 
their servant, and would willingly do just as they 
thought best about it. Bro. Griggs informed the 
Baptist deacon that they might expect me there to 
supply the pulpit the next morning. On Sunday 
morning Bro. Griggs and myself went over to the 
Baptist house, and there we met the Irishman who got 
off the train the night previous. He was the one 
they had sent from Lewisburg to supply the pulpit at 
Jersey Shore. Now here we were ; both came to sup- 
ply the same pulpit, — one an Irishman, the other a 
green Yankee. They insisted that I must preach, as 
they could hear him in the evening. The stranger 
took part in the exercise. The pastor's wife came and 
introduced herself to me, saying she was much inter- 
ested in the sermon, and manifested christian fellow- 
ship. 

On Friday, May 22d, I went to Newport, Bro. 
Kosher met me there and took me to his home, where 
there was an appointment for me in the evening. This 
point was four miles beyond Sulphur Springs. Here I 
met another congregation of strangers. The roman- 
tic scenery which surrounded this place was interesting 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 295 

and a little different from any I had seen before, I 
was shown one hill which was called Tea Hill, where 
the people gathered an herb which they called tea. 
Bro. Kosher kept a grocery store and kept this tea 
for sale. He gave me some to take home with me, 
but we failed to find its good qualities. 

On Saturday Bro. K.'s son took me to John Kough's. 
I spent the day in the neighborhood and preached in 
the evening. I thought I would like to enjoy another 
good visit with Bro. Kosher, and supposed I should, 
but the next time I visited that region 1 was informed 
that he was no more. He had gone to try the realities 
of the Eternal World. 

Sunday, May 24, 1868, I filled my appointments at 
Sulphur Springs, and the next morning started toward 
Bloody Kun, by way of Huntingdon, fo see a man by 
the name of Long, who was publishing a paper at that 
place, and desired an agency in the insurance business. 
I enjoyed this new route very well until we got to 
Huntingdon, a pleasant town situated on the line of 
the Pennsylvania Eailroad. At this point I was to 
take the Broad Top & Huntingdon Eailroad to Bloody 
Eun. This was the most fearful looking road that I 
ever saw. I felt that I would not mind riding over 
the tops of pine trees, but did not like to have them 
spliced, especially twice over. We arrived at Bloody 
Eun at about nine o'clock that night. I put up at the 
Union Hotel, and the next morning I hunted up Long 



296 AUTOBIOGIIAPHY OF 

and his partners, and bestowed upon them the honor 
of being agents for the Glen's Falls Insurance Com- 
pany. At two o'clock, p. M., I took the train back to 
Huntingdon over those terrible ravines again, and 
spent the evening visiting agents. The next morning 
I started on my way home, and arrived there early 
Thursday morning. 

On Monday, June 1st, I went to Canton, where I 
met Mr. A. J. Walter, an agent, who lived at East 
Canton. After dinner we went to Franklindale and 
called on Bro. McKee, who expressed a desire to have 
a meeting that evening, but as the school had closed, 
the question was how can an appointment be circu- 
lated. A young lady remarked that she would furnish 
a congregation in case the minister would preach. I 
told her to go a£ead. I judge she was quite active as 
the house was well filled. 

The following Saturday I went to William^port, 
where Bro. Cortier met me and took me to meeting at 
Warrensville. I went home with Bro. Hermon, who 
lived at Loyal Sock. I asked him what the result of 
the meeting was which was held there by the A Ibrights 
where I officiated one evening. He said he had heard 
nothing about it since it closed, — did not think that 
any were baptized. 

Learning that our daughter at Merchantville, who 
had been in a delicate state of health for some time 
past, was worse, I went with all possible speed to visit 



r 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 297 

her. Just before I arrived I met Mrs. Dolson, who 
was associated with her husband, Dr. J. S. Dolson, in 
attending her, who informed me that there was some 
prospect of her recovery. I found her full as com- 
fortable as I expected. 

I then went to Canisteo to attend the Tioga Eiver 
Conference ; put up with Alonzo Bennett, an old friend, 
who lived near by. On Friday evening I listened to a 
discourse by Elder Jabez Ford. On Saturday Elder 
C. ISTewell preached a funeral sermon in remembrance 
of Elders Eutherford and Curry. On Sunday the 
pulpit was occupied by Elder I. C. Try on and Mrs. B. 
J. Whitely. The session was an interesting one. 

Deacon .Merchant wished me to go to the Swale 
with him to attend to a complicated business matter, 
which was adjusted satisfactorily to the parties. We 
then went to Buena Vista and by the way of Bath to 
Merchantville, and arrived there about nine o'clock, p.m. 

The next day I went to Elmira, where I met Bro. 
James Suffern, who conveyed me to Southport, where I 
remained until the next Monday ; then James took me 
to Wellsburg, where I did some business ; then took the 
train to Owego, stopping there to dinner ; thence to 
Scran ton. Pa., stopping off at Hyde Park to see Blair 
& Waters, who were Insurance Agents. The next 
day I made my way to Carbondale. On my way from 
Scranton to Carbondale I enjoyed some more Gravity 
Eailroad riding. ' 



298 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

There is mucli to interest the traveler through this 
mountainous region, with its extensive beds of coaL 
The coal crackers and ponderous machinery for prepar- 
ing the coal for market, are wonderful to those who 
have never witnessed them before. Some of the ma- 
chinery is elevated far above the surface of the earth, 
and some far beneath. 

Some of the people of this wild region, have strange 
views about the people they call Yankees. They think 
this class of people are smart and shrewd, and great to 
invent machinery, but none too honest. One day, 
while traveling in this region of country, I became 
somewhat familiar with a youngerly man of good ability 
and pleasant manners, a clerk in a post-office. He was 
traveling the same route with myself, and as we changed 
from cars to stage, then from hack to cars, we became 
somewhat acquainted, and as he was quite sociable, I 
did not hesitate to ask him many questions. I re- 
marked as we were gazing over the piles of waste, that 
'^ Those large piles of coal, stone and dirt are of no use, 
I suppose ?" '' Why," said he, " not much use now, 
but they will be by and by ; it won't be long before 
some Yankee will be in here with a machine to hum 
dirt, then those large piles of waste will be valuable." 

My first experience in examining coal mines is fresh 
in my memory yet. It was many years ago, when the 
Tioga River Christian Conference held its annual ses- 
sion at Covington, Tioga County, Pa. It was about 



O. p. ALDESMAN. , 299 

six miles from this point to Blossburg, where the coal 
business was in full blast, and one afternoon a friend 
took six of us (green Yankees) out to see the wonders 
of the coal mines at Blossburg. The afternoon being 
warm and clear, the ride was pleasant to the point 
where we stopped to gaze on the wonders that were ex- 
hibited in and about the coal mines of Blossburg. After 
looking around and admiring the external curiosities, 
we came to what looked like the mouth of a cave. A 
fellow was standing there with a lamp on his cap, who 
asked us if we would like to be taken into the " disrscins," 
saying he had a car there that would carry all 
of us, and that he would convey us in three hun- 
dred yards and farther if we wished, for ten cents 
apiece, and would explain to us by the w^ay, so we 
''forked" over the money, sat down upon his car, 
and away we went into the bowels of the earth. He 
ran us into a cavernous chamber, and then told us how 
high it was from the solid floor beneath us to the close 
roof over our heads, and how many tons of coal had 
been taken therefrom, and how many props were nec- 
essary to keep the roof from falling in, etc.^ etc., then 
he would run us into another cavern and give about the 
same explanation. After passing through a number of 
these, he informed us that we were three hundred yards 
from the mouth of the mine, and asked if we wished to 
go farther. The decision was that we did not wish to 
explore those regions any farther and we might as well 



300 . AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

go out, as we had seen all that would interest us. The 
mine was intensely dark, all the light we had reflected 
from the lamp on the cap of our conductor, who was 
now busying himself in looking about the mine, while 
we were closely nestled together on the car, but he did 
not make any move toward conveying us out of this 
dark and fearful place. Finally Elder Joseph W. 
Stecirns spoke in rather a loud voice and said, '^ We 
are now ready to go out." '' Very well," replied our 
conductor, '^ you can go out any time you please," 
^' But," says the Elder, '^ are you not going to run us 
out on your car ?" '^ Why," said he, ''I will run you 
out for eighteen pence apiece." '^ But," said the Elder, 
^' we paid you ten cents." '^ Yes," said he at once, 
'^ that was for running you in. I agreed to take you 
in three hundred yards for ten cents a piece. I did so. 
Now if you wish me to take you out I will do it for the 
sum I named." We decided that the best thing we 
could do under the circumstances, would be to pay his 
price and get out where we could see daylight again, 
and finally we thought it was cheap enough, and on the 
whole we enjoyed the joke very well. 

From Carbondale, I went by stage to Honesdale. 
At this point I enjoyed a very pleasant interview with 
a Methodist Minister by the name of L. D. Tryon, who 
conducted me about the town. We enjoyed the visit 
and business well, or at least, I did. 

The next morning I hastened back to Scranton to 



0. p. ALDEEMAN, 301 

adjust a loss that had recently occurred. On my arrival 
I found the parties, investigated the matter, then took 
the train for Wyoming, where matters were badly 
" mixed." I made the best arrangements I could, then 
took the cars to Bloomsburg where I appointed another 
agent, and then went home. 

On Monday, June 29th, I took the cars to Lock- 
haven, where I called on Mr. Chapman, an insurance 
agent, and gave him the appointm.ent for our company. 
Thence by rail to Bellefonte, where I appointed an agent. 
The next morning I went to Tyrone, where I formed 
the acquaintance of Capt. J. Bell, and made an agent 
of him ; thence to Altoona, — -made an appointment 
there and took supper at the Logan House, then took 
the train to Johnstown^ putting up at the Foster House. 
The next morning I appointed an agent there, then 
took the train to Grreensburg, made an appointment 
there. From there I went to Pittsburgh, stopping at 
Merchant's Hotel over night. Spent the most of the 
next day in the city, then went back by way of Tyrone 
and Lockhaven, to Antis Fort. The next morning I 
went to Williamsport in company with Bro. Griggs 
and his daughter Alice. Met Bro. Winner there and 
went home with him to dinner, then went to Fellow- 
ship Meeting at Warrensville, Enjoyed a good meet- 
ing. Went home w^ith Henry Kline to supper, after 
which he took me to Loyal Sock to fill my evening 
appointment there. The next morning at eleven o'clock 



302 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 

I preached a funeral sermon, then went home with 
Henry Collins, expecting to preach at the brick school- 
house in the evening, but it was raining so hard that 
we did not go out at all. I staid with Enoch Winner 
over night. The next morning Alice took me to Wil- 
liamsport, where I took the train to Elmira, where I 
met Melvin and went with him to Merchantville. 



CHAPTEK XXIV. 

Sunday, July 12t]i, 1868, I preaclied at the Yost 
schoolhouse at four o'clock, p. m. I am sure that what 
I lacked in depth I made up in length, as my watch 
stopped and I did not notice it until nearly sundown. 

On the 16th I went to Emporium to see Dr. Gibson. 
He had just been called to attend a man who WTtS 
severely injured, and who died about two o'clock, p. M. 
Here I had the pleasure of meeting John D. Hamilton, 
and we came in company on the cars to Williamsport. 

On Saturday I went to Newport, and called on Sister 
Bosserman. I had been there but a little while when 
Sister Shoaf of Sulphur Springs came in. A solemn 
feeling passed over me when I noticed how different 
was her appearance on this occasion, from what it had 
been at previous times. She was clad in deep mourn- 
ing and appeared serious and thoughtful. She said, 
'* Elder, I have come to take you to our house." I felt 
anxious to know for whom she mourned, and yet did 
not feel at liberty to ask, feeling assured that I would 
soon learn the facts. We were soon on our way. I 
thought of her children, and especially Allen, who had 
during the meetings held there, been almost persuaded 
to be a christian, but finally gave up that idea, and 
professed to be quite skeptical with regard to the truth 



304 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

of tlie Bible, and tlie reality of the cliristian religion. 
I then thought of Mary, who for a time appeared as 
though she would like to be a christian. While I was 
thus thinking and wondering who had so recently been 
called to try the realities of death and an untried 
future, she spoke and said: " I suppose you have heard 
that Allen is no more ? '' I told her I had not, but now 
supposed that such was the case. She then related the 
circumstances of his short sickness and his death. He 
had been an officer in the Sunday School, and during 
his sickness sent for the school to come and see" him in 
his trying time and hour of deep affliction. When 
his young friends, with whom he had so often met in 
the Sunday School in the days of his health and cheer- 
fulness, were standing around his dying couch in this, 
his hour of darkness and gloom, he talked very good 
to them, and warned them to prepare for the dying hour 
and a vast eternity. 

On the 30th I met my wife and daughter at Painted 
Post, on their way home. I accompanied them to Wil- 
liamsport, where Bro. Lowe met and took me to his 
home in Cascade, where I preached in the church, 
which was in process of erection. August 7th I went 
to Dallas to adjust two losses in Mr. Koushey's agency, 
and then intended to go to Wyoming. On Saturday 
morning we started for the residence of Mr. Jacob 
M. Traverse. It was rather stormy, the traveling bad, 
and we made slow time, and it was nearly noon when 



0. P, ALDEEMAN. 305 

we arrived. I adjusted tlie first loss by the payment 
of five hundred dollars, which was satisfactory to both 
parties. We then went to John Shotwell's. This loss 
was only a horse killed by lightning, which was quickly 
and easily settled. It was now too late to go to Wyo- 
ming, and I went home to stay over Sunday with 
E-oushey, who was a Methodist brother, and not a very 
warm friend to the Christians. His wife was an ex- 
cellent lady, of liberal views on religious subjects. 

Sunday, August 9th, Bro. Roushey informed me 
that the people met for Sunday School and Bible Class 
in the morning, and there was to be a funeral at the 
regular hour of service, soon after the closing of the 
Sunday School, and invited me to attend with him, 
saying that our folks had no meeting near, or he would 
take me to the meeting of my choice. I told him he 
might excuse me, and, if they were willing, I would 
stay at home and commence writing an annual address 
to deliver at the next session of the Bennsylvania 
Christian Conference, which w^as to be held at Lewis- 
burg, commencing on Thursday, the 27th of the present 
month, — that I w^as appointed at the last session of 
Conference to deliver the address. To this he con- 
sented, and showed me to a room for that purpose. 
Before I had commenced. Miss Eoushey, the daughter, 
entered the room, and said she wished I would attend 
their Sunday School. She believed I would think I 
was well paid after witnessing the order and system 



306 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



with which it was conducted, and nothing would please 
her more than to have me accompany them to church, 
— that school would continue but a little while, and 
then I could use the remainder of the day in getting up 
my address. I decided to go, and went with them to 
church. Bro. Pb. introduced me to several of the lead- 
ing men, telling them what my business was, and ex- 
plaining the circumstances that had brought me there, 
not forgetting to tell them that those losses were set- 
tled all right, and to the full satisfaction of those sus- 
taining the same. 1 was invited to take the charge of 
the Bible Class, to which I consented, after makins^ some 
apologies. The lesson for investigation was in Romans, 
where many think the doctrine of eternal election and 
reprobation is clearly taught. On this subject I felt 
that I was somewhat posted, as it had been my study 
all through life, I was asked to give explanations of 
different passages, which I did as well as I could, but 
did not notice that I was talking loud enough to at- 
tract the attention of the whole school, until the super- 
intendent remarked that he wished I would take the 
stand, and address the school on this subject, as the 
pupils were interested in that kind of talk, and that he 
himself had been much pleased to hear what he had, 
and would like to have the subject continued, so that 
the entire audience would hear. To this I agreed at 
once, telling them that I felt more competent to talk 
to children than to adults. 



O. p. ALDERMAN. 207 

It was now nearly time for tlie funeral service to 
commence, but the procession had not yet arrived. I 
talked about fifteen minutes, then as the time had 
come for the other service, I closed my remarks, but 
was invited to continue, and told that if I occupied the 
time until the procession came it would be all right; 
so I took the stand again, and talked until the proces- 
sion arrived. I then took my seat in the congregation 
and witnessed the appearance of the mourners and 
other friends as they entered the house. The coffin 
was borne up the aisle and placed in front of the pulpit, 
and the mourners properly seated, but I could see no 
one that I thought was the minister. The friends 
appeared very busy and a little confused, as they 
talked together, while passing in and out of the house. 
Soon a man beckoned me to the vestibule, where I met 
a number of persons, who, I understood, were acting as 
a committee of arrangements. One of them said to me 
that they knew it was not using a minister well to invite 
him to preach a funeral sermon without giving at least 
a little time for meditation, and they felt quite delicate 
in asking me to preach on this occasion, on the spur of 
the moment, but their minister had disappointed them, 
and as yet they did not know the cause, and they 
wished me to officiate on this occasion ; they w^ould be 
glad to listen to a sermon, but if I was not prepared to 
give one, to occupy a little time in prayer, singing and a 
few remarks that would be appropriate on the occasion. 



308 AtJTOBIOGEAPHY OP 

I told them they need feel no delicacy whatever in 
asking me to preach, — that under the circnmstances I 
was quite willing to make an effort. I took the pulpit 
at once and had a good time while trying to preach the 
gospel to that congregation of strangers. The service 
seemed satisfactory to the entire assembly. Bro. 
Eoushey informed the friends that they must excuse 
me fro'm accompanying them to the grave, as it was so 
late we must return home at once. 

On our way home Sister Eoushey remarked to me 
that the people were much pleased and interested in 
the sermon, and if they did not find out what denomJ- 
nation I belonged to it would do them good, but if they 
learned that I was a Christian perhaps they would not 
profit by it. ''Well," said I, ''Bro. Eoushey what do you 
think about it?'.' "Why," said he, "I think you have 
done honor to the people you represent." He would like 
to hear more such preaching as he had just listened to, 
and would be happy to have me send an appointment 
at any time ; the house would be freely opened, and 
well filled with hearers. I remarked to him that 
doubtless people missed hearing some good sermons 
by closing the doors of their houses, and also their ears. 

On the 15th, Bro. Everhart took me to a pic-nic held 
in a grove. The Methodist school at Bloomfield and 
the Christian school at Sulphur Springs, met half v^^ay 
to enjoy a good social time. When we arrived the 
Methodist minister had given an address, and the 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 309 

friends were preparing the dinner. Tlie preaclier was 
a kind and jovial fellow. As we passed a small party, 
one of them said, ^' That is a matched team. Those 
are hale fellows well met." I said, ^^Do you notice 
what those fellows say about us." '' Yes," he said, 
'^ and I guess they are half right ; what is the differ- 
ence between us ? I never met with a minister of 
your denomination before. I am happily disappointed. 
I did not think I would enjoy mj^self so well with 
those who were so very peculiar, and especially in 
matters of religion. My parents were Methodist, and 
I was educated for a Methodist minister, and have 
learned nothing denominationly but Methodism. Don't 
we stand as good a chance for salvation as others ? " 
''"Why," said I, ^'that depends on how you behave 
yourselves. In my opinion all who love God and obey 
him will be accepted of him." " Very true," said he ; 
" now, please tell me the difference between the two 
denominations ? " I then remarked to him, " You be- 
lieve in making opinion the test of fellowship, and we 
believe in making christian character the test." 
" Then," said he, " you are right and we are wrong, 
for piety should, in my opinion, be the test; but I 
have yet to learn that we make opinion the test." 
" You want your members all to believe your discipline, 
and be governed thereby, do you not ? " '' Certainly," 
said he. ''And your discipline," said I, ''is a matter 
of opinion, otherwise it w^ould receive all who are 



310 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



christians, and live godly lives. It is your opinion 
that no one should be admitted to your class meetings 
more than twice or thrice, unless he wishes to become 
a member with you. Let him be ever so pious your 
discipline denies him the privilege of enjoying your 
class meetings, unless he can join you in declaring he 
believes it to be true, and I presume there are some 
things contained therein that you do not believe your- 
self." "Why," said he, "we believe in disciplining 
our converts. What do you believe on this point ? " 
"Why, we believe," said I, "that as they have re- 
ceived Christ Jesus the Lord, to let them so walk in 
him." "Then," he said, smiling, "what would you 
think of me if I should receive members without dis- 
ciplining them ? " "If you received none but those 
who had been born again, and were walking in newness 
of life, I should think you were willing to receive all 
those whom Christ receives." He then said : " ISTow 
tell me what you would say to me if I should thus 
receive members without their saying that they be- 
heved our discipline ? " " Say to you," said I, " why, 
I would say about the same to you that the boy said 
to the woman. On a certain occasion a lad was travel- 
ing in warm weather, a,nd had become hungry and 
thirsty, and soon he saw a sign over a door which read : 
"CAKE AND BEER." 

He entered the room and laid some maney on the 
counter, and told the woman he wanted some cake. 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 



311 



She informed him there was none in the house. ''Well/' 
said he, ''then I will take a glass of beer." The 
woman replied, " We have no beer either." " I think, 
then, you had better take down your sign." 

Now dinner was ready and we were invited to our 
places at the table, where we enjoyed a bountiful re- 
past. Soon after dinner it was announced that it was 
now time for the second address. The seats were soon 
occupied, and I gave as good an address as I could. 
The audience seemed to enjoy it, and especially my 
brother in the ministry. When the parting time came 
he said that he had enjoyed the day very much, and 
was interested in' the interview we had enjoyed to- 
gether, and invited me to come to Bloomfield and 
supply his pulpit. I told him I had heard that the 
pulpit there had been closed against Elder Roden- 
baugh, and I believed he was a better man than myself. 
" I don't know," he says, "how that may be, but our 
house will be opened to you, whenever you will come, 
as long as I remain at Bloomfield. We parted with 
the best of feeling, and I felt that I never enjoyed 
myself better with a fellow-laborer of a sectarian church 
in my life. We then returned to Bro. John Kough's 
, and stayed over night. 

On Monday, August 24th, I went by rail to Elmira, 
then at three o'clock, P. M., I went by stage to State 
Line. Esquire Bly met me there, and conveyed me 
to Jackson Morrell's, to adjust a loss which had quite 



312 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

recently occurred. Before leaving home I had taken 
my private room and blocked out an address to deliver 
before the Conference, hoping and expecting to have 
time to finish it up ; and did not expect to leave Lewis- 
burg again till after Conference, when the dispatch 
came notifying me of the above loss. As it was the first 
in that locality and the company nearly a stranger there, 
I thought best to go at once and adjust the matter, and 
take my chances on having time to finish my address 
after my return, before I was called upon to deliver it. 

The loss was settled by the payment of nine hundred 
and fifty dollars. The next day I did some business 
and returned as far as Williamsport, and went home 
the following morning. Some of the brethren had ar- 
rived, to attend the Conference. Elder Hays preached 
in the evening. 

Thursday, August 27th, 1868, the Conference con- 
vened. I asked the privilege of having the address 
deferred until tw^o o'clock the next day, which was 
granted. I did not enjoy much Conference that day, 
but listened to a good sermon in the evening, preached 
by Elder Milton Clark. On the following day I deliv- 
ered the address before the Conference and friends 
convened, which was as follows : 

Mr. President, Members and Friends of the Pennsyhania Christian 
Conference : 
I arise before you on this occasion, agreeable to an 
appointment made during our last annual session. 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 313 

Wlien my name was announced as tlie one to deliver 
the next annual address^ I must confess I was some- 
what astonished. I had just been received as a mem- 
ber of this Conference. My judgment was, that some 
one who had been longer a member of this body would 
be better qualified for this interesting portion of our 
exercises. I have so often been disgusted with objec- 
tions and excuses ofi"ered, when nominations have been 
made, both in churches and conferences, tl^t I con- 
cluded to make no objections, and do the best I could, 
thinking that if I made a failure, we as a body would 
learn wisdom, and in the future make such appoint- 
ments as in our opinion would prove successful. 

My motto for the present occasion, is recorded in 
Exodus, 14th chapter, 15th verse, and Heb,, 1st chap., 
6 th verse : " Speak to the children of Israel that they 
go forward." — ^' Let us go on to perfection." We have 
not assembled at this annual gathering, respected 
friends, merely to greet each other and shake the 
friendly hand — not simply for the purpose of hailing 
again old and tried friends, and forming new acquaint- 
ances, and have a good social time. We have met to 
w^ork — to work in the cause of our great Eedeemer. 
We have met to counsel together, to devise plans for 
carrying forward the great interests of our beloved 
Zion. There is a work to be done which no sectarian 
institution can ever accomplish. However extensive 
their resources, and efficient their machinery may be, 



'^ 



314 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



they will never answer the prayer of our blessed Lord, 
when he prayed that his disciples might be one, even 
as he and his father are one. The true church has 
ever had its trials, and God has ever been its helper in 
times of need. 

The children of Israel were guided by a pillar of cloud 
by day, and a pillar of fire by night, while they were 
traveling through the wilderness to the promised land. 
God provided a safe passage for them through the 
E.ed Sea, while their enemies, even Pharaoh's mighty 
host, were engulfed by the waters, and miserably per- 
ished. The same God now rules in the heavens above, 
and among the nations upon the earth. Various are 
the changes that have taken place between that day 
and the present time. God's people have been moving 
forward ; have been going on to perfection. Time will 
allow us but few illustrations. There have been two 
wonderful displays of God's power and goodness mani- 
fested to the children of men. One under the old 
dispensation, the other under the new. The first was 
that rising cloud which overshadowed the temple, and 
filled it with such glory that even the high priest j 
whose business it was to burn incense at the golden 
altar had to omit his service. He could not stand to 
minister by reason of the cloud, for the glory of the 
Lord had filled the house of God. The one under the 
new dispensation was on the day of Pentecost, when 
there came a sound like the rushing of a mighty wind, 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 315 

and filled all the house where they were sitting ; when 
the Partheans, the Medes, the Elamites, the dwellers 
of Mesopotamia, &c., heard in their own language the 
wonderful works of God. In contrasting these events, 
we see the children of God are moving forward, are 
going on to perfection. "We see the manifestation of 
the law of progression in everything around us. 

The ingenuity of man, by way of invention, has 
been developing itself in a wonderful manner. How 
true the expression that man has sought out many in- 
ventions ! Some of us can remember when it was 
thought to be a great task to go to one of the Western 
States. If a family contemplated moving there, it was 
considered by their friends next thing to death, for 
they hardly expected ever to see them again, it was so 
far away — such a long and tedious journey. Farewell 
visits were made ; parting tears were shed before the 
departing ones left to pursue the long and lonely jour- 
ney by the overland route. The travelers have gloomy 
forebodings of the trials and hardships of their long 
and weary journey. True, there are vessels propelled 
by the wind to carry travelers from place to place ; but 
the wind does not always blow in the right direction, 
and may drive them from their destination instead of 
towards it. Mr. Fulton tells them they need not wait 
for favorable winds ; that he has invented a vessel pro- 
pelled by steam, that can run up the stream or down 
the stream, with the wind or against it, in storm or in 



316 AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 

calm, so that there is no necessity for depending in the 
least upon the fickle wind. But our travelers are far 
from navigable waters. These vessels and steamships 
cannot be reached, and beside, they cannot convey 
them to the desired haven. 

What now is to be done ? Are the inventive powers 
of man exhausted ? ^' 0, no," says the inventor, ^' I can 
obviate all the difficulties. I care not whether the 
wind blows East or West ; whether there is a gale or 
a calm, or how far you are from navigal^le waters. I 
have invented a steam-car. The track is laid, the 
baggage. car is open — put in your goods — seat yourself 
and family on the cushioned seats of one of the splendid 
coaches of the train. ' I will run you over the moun- 
tains, around the miountains, through the mountains, 
over the rivers, across the swamps and through the 
wilderness, at the rate of 30 or 40 miles an hour. You 
shall soon be at your destination without any toil on 
your part." 

We see the mother with her pale face, sitting in sad- 
ness, at the close of day. The twilight is gathering 
around; her only daughter, of whom she has been 
seriously thinking, is dangerously ill five hundred miles 
away. Oh that I could communicate a single sentence 
to her before she sleeps ! I know that man has been 
going on to perfection with his inventions, but there 
is no sail vessel, no steamboat, nor car that can take 
me, or a word from me to my beloved daughter before 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 317 

she dies. Mr. Morse, the inventor of tlie Telegi'aph, 
says to her : '^ Give me that sentence for your daugh- 
ter, and I will put it on the electric wire, and in less 
than five minutes- your daughter may read it." We 
believe in progression. It is written as with the finger 
of God all over the universe. 

See that robust man whose brawny arm, nerved with 
herculean power, has striven with nature until the wil- 
derness has budded and blossomed like the rose, until 
he has seen the earth all dotted over with cities, towns 
and villages, where many lofty domes from church 
edifices are pointing upward to the sky. This man was 
once a helpless infant. Look at that sturdy oak which 
has carried its lofty top and heavy branches high in the 
air. It was once a little acorn, seemingly without life 
or strength— easily thrown about with the slightest 
effort. It now defies the tempest and laughs at the 
whirlwind. 

While we acknowledge that Christi?aiity was perfect 
as it came from the hand of its Author, man's concep- 
tion and application of it, has been marked by stages of 
progression. Has progress in this direction kept pace 
witli the progress in worldly sciences ? Let us investi- 
gate this matter for a moment. It has not been long 
since it was considered orthodox to believe and preach 
that infants were tormented in flames because Adam 
had sinned. 

Can we not remember when it was supposed that a 



318 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

man must become willing to be damned before he could 
be saved? How would such, tbeology be accepted in 
our days ? I must acknowledge for myself, that if this 
be true my salvation is not sure. I cannot recollect 
the time when I would as willingly be lost as saved. 
The time has been when I could have acknowledged 
the justice of God in cutting me off; yet at the same 
time I would much rather have been saved than 
lost. 

How long has it been, since, to be admitted into the 
Church, a person must believe in '^ total depravity," 
'Vicarious atonement," and the '^trinity?" In short, 
must subscribe to dogmas, and articles of human in- 
vention, or be content to remain without the pale of 
any church. 

It is not a century since O'Kelly stood upon the floor 
of a Conference and boldly declared that this human 
legislation for the church was not profitable unto god- 
liness. And while his associates were endeavoring to 
amend or change some articles in their discipline, he 
recommended them to throw it away entirely; and 
said that the more they strove to make it a perfect rule, 
the more it bore the marks of imperfection. 

He finally decided that he would stand alone, with 
the Bible for his only rule of faith and life ; with no 
name but the name Christian ; and would recognize as 
Christians all who loved and served God, whatever 
their opinions in a theological point of view might be. 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 319 

It is hardly necessary to speak of Elias Smith, Barton, 
W. Stone, AVm. Kinkaid and others, who decided that 
rather than be fettered with human laws or pronounce 
the Shiboleth of sectarianism, they would travel alone 
through this world, believing that God's word would 
direct them aright and bring them home to glory. It 
is not necessary to give here in detail, the circumstances 
under which individuals of this class, from the East, 
South and West were brought together, or the circum- 
stances of our rise as a Christian body, or why we exist 
at present as a religious denomination, or of the pros- 
perity that has crowned our efforts. Those who read 
understand all this. I myself heard Elder David 
Millard say a few years ago that he was one of the five 
who composed the first Christian Conference in the 
State of New York, and that now there were seven 
Conferences, with a respectable membership m each, 
in that State. We are known as a religious body 
throughout the United States and Canadas. But our 
cause at present seems to be more prosperous in New 
York and in the Western States, than it is here in the 
old Keystone State. Now, my brethren, it seems to me 
that this ought not so to be. I am slow to admit that 
we lack the means, the piety, or the talent, that is 
necessary to our prosperity as a denomination in this, 
one of the richest states in the Union. Let us inquire 
after the cause, and as far as possible, remedy the evil. 
I do not thus speak because I think we are doing 



320 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

nothing here. We are doing something ; we are not 
altogether drones in the hive. 

There are some three or four meeting-houses being 
erected within the bounds of this Conference. There 
has been a reviving in the minds of our brethren, and 
fair additions have been made to some of our churches 
within the past year. 

Is it not a fact that we lack ministerial aid ? Our 
numbers as ministers are small ; our labors too much 
divided. Are not too many of us engaged as Farmers, 
Doctors, Insurance Agents, or agents of some other 
kind ? And are not some who were once preaching 
Christ in all his bleeding beauty now in hot pursuit of 
such as teach for doctrine the commandments of men ? 
I will not say here that those who cannot devote their 
whole time to the ministry, should not preach at all. 
Let every man do all he can for this the best of causes. 
I am satisfied, from the brief acquaintance I have 
formed with this Conference, that there is a sufficiency 
of means in this body to give a new impetus to the 
cause of liberal Christianity in this portion of the land. 
Should we not inaugurate a plan or system by which 
this impetus may be given, and our Home Mis- 
sionary Society become a living reality, and not a name 
only ? There was $1,000 voted by this Coference, at 
its last session, to sustain a missionary within its 
bounds. It is an easy matter to vote to raise money, 
but voting merely, still leaves our destitute churches in 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 321 

a low condition, and sinners in the broad road that 
leads to death. The continuance of our existence as a 
denomination depends, not on our mere ability to 
defend ourselves against the encroachments of the sects 
around us; nor on our aggressive power simply, but 
upon our actual perseverance in the realization of our 
highest hopes in building up the cause of the blessed Ee- 
deemer in the earth. We shall either advance or retro- 
grade. When a body ceases to grow, it begins to die. 
Let us inquire why it is that we wish to succeed ; or 
why we exist and seek to perpetuate our existence as a 
distinct religious body. The first and more general 
answer would be : that we have formed churches, and 
are organized into Conferences, in order to do good and 
glorify God, by promoting the truth in every possible 
way, and by strenthening and perfecting the Saints in 
Christ Jesus. Now, there is no question but that our 
object is a worthy one; so that no other reply need be 
given were it not a fact that other and more powerful 
religious organizations are in being for the same pur- 
pose, and are no doubt able to do a portion of this work 
better than we can. This being the case, we naturally 
look for some special reason for our existence, aside from 
what all other denominations may, in common, render. 
That reason is this : We believe our Church is organized 
on a basis more in accordance with the teachings of 
Christ and his Apostles, than any other, — a platform on 
which all christians can stand, taking the Bible as a 



322 ■ AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

rule — a creed which no christian can reject. Believing 
that the Bible alone is a sufficient rule of faith and life, 
so that in the language of the Methodist discipline : 
^' What is not written therein, or cannot be proven 
thereby, is not to be believed." Would to God that 
this had ever, universally been adhered to. 

The present finds us occupying a respectable position 
in the christian world as a separate body, endeavoring 
to apply what we deem to be the great fundamental 
principles of Christ's gospel, to the development and 
reformation of human life and character. We do not 
wish to be exclusive ; we do not mean to say that we 
alone are the Church, and the only body of professed 
christians who are endeavoring to apply the principles 
of the Gospel to human life. Other bodies of christians 
are engaged in the same noble work, some of whom 
adopt very nearly our sentiments, and others difi'er 
more widely ; but all endeavoring to do good to man- 
kind. We dare not unchristianize any who are casting 
out devils in the name of Jesus Christ, although they 
may not belong with us, or extend to us the hand of 
fellowship, or think as we do on all points of religious 
belief. But what we mean to say is this : the peculiar 
circumstances to which we owe our origin, and which 
have attended us ever since we have had an existence, 
plainly indicate that, in the providence of God, we have 
been raised up to stand alone, and act an important 
part in reforming the world, in spreading true and 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 323 

liberal views of Christianity among mankind, and in 
placing the Bible above all human creeds. As a 
religious body we have commenced our work and are 
going on to pefection. 

The work that has been done by us, is not all exhib- 
ited in the congregations we have gathered, nor in the 
meeting-houses we have built, but truths advocated 
by us v/hen an infant body, and declared by others to 
be hereti-cal, have not only found their way into the 
hearts of the outsiders and lay members of the different 
churches, but are now being sounded loud and shrill 
from what are termed orthodox pulpits. 

Conventions are being held for the purpose of bring- 
ing the christian world into the unity of the spirit, and 
the bonds of peace. Their efforts are said to be made 
for the express purpose of uniting the children of God 
in one body. While I have watched with anxiety the 
efforts of those conventions and their effect, I am 
reminded of what the boy told the shepherd who was 
trying to get his several flocks together by throwing 
each sheep by main force over the fence, "^^Why," 
says the lad, '' all this work is useless ; just let down 
your fences, and your sheep will run together of their 
own accord." 

The last Session of the Tioga River Christian Con- 
ference, was held at Bennettsville, Steuben County, 
New York. 

I think there is not a member of the Christian church 



324 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



in that village. Tlie Conference was countenanced and 
encouraged by the diflerent denominations residing 
there. We were kindly invited to their churches and 
dwellings, and they took part in our religious exercises, 
and some expressed a desire to have the Conference 
there again next year. How different from what it 
used to be years ago ! When I contrast in my mind 
this elifference of feeling and spirit manifested among 
the people everywhere, I feel like '^speaking to the 
Children of Israel that th^y go forward," and saying^ 
" let us go on to perfection." 

I think, my brethren, while we nave some discourage- 
ments, we have much to encourage us. We ought to 
*^ thank God and take courage." 

There has been much accomplished through the sen- 
timents advocated by us as a people. There remains 
much yet to be done, — shall we not do it ? Our sun is 
yet high above the Western hills, and much may yet 
be accomplished. Let us hail with joy every oppor- 
tunity to advance, and every indication of progress ; 
and let us press on with untiring diligence in this great 
and glorious work. 

It has become almost unanimous now, for the watch- 
man on the w^alls of Zion, to tell the people that their 
salvation depends on their obeying the commands of 
God ; and that they must work out their own salvation 
with fear and tremblins;. 

Let us continue to tell the people what Christ told 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 325 

his disciples : '^ That whosoever heareth these sayings 
of mine, and doeth them, shall be likened unto a wise 
man that built his house on a rock." Let us tell them 
what Peter told the Gentiles at the house of Cornelius, 
after his conversion : '' I perceive of a truth that God 
is no respecter of persons, but in every nation he that 
feareth Him and worketh righteousness is accepted 
with Him." Let us continue to proclaim the truths 
of the Gospel, till all christians shall say : ^'Whosoever 
doeth the will of my Father in Heaven, the same is my 
brother, my sister, and my mother. 

Elder A. J. Clark, of Scranton, preached in the even- 
ing. On Saturday I enjoyed the Conference all day, 
and was benefitted and strengthened in the good cause. 
Elder Z. M. Ellis preached in the evening. On Sunday, 
August 30, Elder John G. Willson, of Philadelphia, 
■preached at ten o'clock a. m.. Elder Calvin ISTewel at 
two p. M., and Elder Milton Clark in the evening. 

Monday, August 31st. The brethren with whom 
we had taken sweet counsel for a few days, now took 
their departure to their homes and various fields of labor. 

On Sunday, September 6th, The Free Msisons laid 
the corner stone of the Lutheran Church at Jersey 
Shore. 

On the tenth I was at Warren, hastening with my 
business as fast as possible, that I might again meet 
with the Erie Conference, which was to hold its annual 



326 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

session at Waterford,. Pa. I liad met with this Con- 
ference, for the first time, one year before, at Fluvanna, 
in Chautauqua Co., N. Y. Although they were mostly 
strangers to me, I was much interested in their 
systematic manner of doing business. I learned that 
Fluvanna was four miles from Jamestown, where I 
left the cars, and went to the place of meeting by 
private conveyance. I called at a public house kept 
l)y Bro. Whittemore. It was a house of entertainment, 
not a gin shop. I told the proprietor that I had come 
to attend the Christian Conference. He said that was 
all right, and we are nearly full here. He then asked 
my name, and when it -was announced, said he : ''I 
have been acquainted v/ith you for years, although I 
never saw you till now. You need look no farther, I 
have a room for you here." I was soon invited to 
dinner, which I enjoyed much,, as it was late in the day 
for this meal. 

After eating I went to the church. Elder Tuck was 
preaching. He was an entire stranger to me, as were 
nearly all the congregation. Elder A. S. Langdon was 
pastor of the church, and we had both been members 
of the Central Conference for years together, but some 
fifteen years had rolled away since we had met,, and 1 
felt sure that he did not recognize me. I also noticed 
that Elder Wm. T. Caton and Elder H. E. Kendall 
were present. Those were the only persons in the 
audience, that I had any recollection of ever seeing 



0. p. ALDEEMAIT. 327 

before. Altliougli a stranger among strangers, I felt 
that I was in my father's house with his children. 
This being on Saturday they w^ere to enjoy their Fel- 
lowship Meeting after the sermon. I looked upon 
many strange faces, and asked myself which is Elder 
Totman, Field, Morse, Wyman, etc., but w^as pleased 
with the idea that although I did not know now, I 
should know hereafter. The Fellowship Meeting was 
quite spirited and very interesting. 

In due time I arose and made a few remarks in favor 
of the Master's cause. As soon as I sat down I noticed 
Elder Langdon whispered to one, then to others, who 
were sitting near the desk. They all shook their heads, 
and I was then confirmed in the belief that I appeared 
to him a stranger. At the close of the meeting I spoke 
a few words to Elder Caton — then went to m}^ boarding 
house. I had been there a very little while, when in 
came Elder Langdon, in haste, caught my hand in his, 
gave it a grip and a hearty shake, exclaiming : '^ God 
bless you 0. P., how are you ; I could not for my life 
tell who you were, and yet I felt sure that I had met 
w^ith you before. We want you to preach this evening." 
I told him I was not in the habit of refusing wdien 
called upon, but as I had been on the train all the night 
before, I feared it would be hard business for the 
audience to listen. He said that would be all right, 
and they should expect to hear from me in the evening, 
so I did the best I could before mv strana-e friends. 



328 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

The next evening tliey called upon me again, and I did 
tlie best I could the second time. 

On Monday morning the Conference session opened, 
— Elder J, M, Field in the chair. Their business 
moved like clock work, and before night it was so 
nearly completed that there was time to hear from 
visiting brethren, who were there as agents for our 
]3ublishing interests. Bro. 0. A. Eoberts spoke in 
a very interesting manner, which seemed to cheer up 
our brethren to a new engagedness in the good cause. 
At this session I formed the acquaintance of ^a number 
of our ministers, whose communications I had read 
with much satisfaction, and I now rejoiced that my 
eyes beheld them, 

Bro, Field gave me quite a lecture for being engaged 
in the insurance business, — thought I ought to give 
my whole time and attention to the ministry, and be 
continually inviting sinners to the Saviour ; at the same 
time he said he was very happy to meet me at this 
Conference. I remarked to him that it was a privilege 
I had long desired, — but presumed if I had not been 
an insurance agent I never should have enjoyed this 
privilege, from the fact that I would have lacked the 
'' stamps " to bring me here. 

All these pleasant experiences passed through my 
mind as I was contemplating meeting those good 
brethren again. I retired early, aud the next day I was 
at the place of meeting, and prea^ched in the evening. 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 329 

On Saturday I heard Elders Morse, Bourne and Dun- 
lap preach, I attended Sunday School on Sunday 
morning. It was a model school. All were invited to 
arise and repeat a verse of Scripture, I thought of 
several verses, but they were repeated by others, when 
my time came, I arose and told them to '^ remember 
Lot's wife." Elder Field preached at eleven o'clock, 
Bourne told his experience at three, and 0. P. was 
called upon to preach in the evening. On Monday 
the Conference transacted its business. 

On Saturday, September 26th, I attended a Pic Nic 
at Loyal Sock. It w^as late when I arrived, — the little 
fellows had been waiting, and looked as though they 
were frozen. As soon as they saw me they hastened to 
their seats to listen to the remarks made from the 
stand. I felt sorry for those bright eyed children, as 
they sat shivering with cold, and thought I would try 
and warm them. I commenced in a low tone of voice, 
and then asked them if they could hear, asking as 
many as could to say I. The response was small. I 
told them that would never do, — that I must speak 
louder ; then raising my voice, I called upon all those 
who could hear me now, to signify it by the former 
sign. A few more responded, I then told them we 
must improve a little, — then raising my voice about as 
loud as I could, I told them I wanted all who could 
hear to scream ^^I," with all their might. The 
response was loud and general. Then I began to ask 



330 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 

tliem questions about tlie Sunday School, — the woods 
we were in, etc., framing my questions so that yes, or 
no, would answer, and told them to answer in a loud 
voice, so that I could hear. They all joined in scream- 
ing as loud as the could, and I was soon pretty well 
warmed up, and judged they were too. They enjoyed 
it very much. 

The address was short, after which we partook of the 
refreshments prepared for that occasion, and enjoyed 
a good time. 

On Sunday I preached a Funeral Sermon at War- 
rensville, — filled my appointment at the Brick, and the 
next day I went home. 



CHAPTEE XXV. 

September 30th, 1868, I went to Harrisburg to at- 
tend the State Fair, took supper with Bro. Parker, and 
staid over night with Bro. Landis. I remained at the 
fair until Friday p. M., then went to Anthony, to attend 
a Two Days' Meeting with Elder Taylor. The follow- 
ing Thursday and Friday the County Fair was at 
Lewisburg. 

Sunday, October 18th, Isaac Mariot was ordained at 
Eoss, Pa. Elder Hayes preached the sermon. Alderman 
offered the prayer and gave the Right Hand of Fellow- 
ship, and Elder Bodenbaugh gave the charge. We 
then enjoyed a Communion Season, and adjourned till 
evening, when Elder B. gave us a good sermon. We 
then went to Bro. Samuel Long's, — staid there till 
midnight, then went to Bro. Joseph Long's and retired. 
It was raining a little, and we thought there never was 
a darker night this side of Egypt. , 

At three o'clock our breakfast was ready, and a man 
in readiness to convey us to the Depot. The rain had 
increased somewhat, and it looked, as the dying infidel 
said, like taking a leap in the dark. The driver said 
he knew the road and the team, and as we had to go, 
he could take us just as well as not; but if it would be 
convenient with us, he thought we would be just as 



332 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OP 

safe to stay till dayliglit. ''But/' said he, "if yoa 
expect to reach the Depot in time for the early train, 
it is time for us to be on our way." We were soon 
snugly seated, and started out in the dense darkness 
while the gentle rain was descending upon us. Not a 
thing could I see, except occasionally a light beaming 
from the windows. I remarked that I guessed the 
people got up pretty early. Our driver replied that I 
was mistaken, that the fact was the heaus go home late. 

Elder Eodenbaugh and myself had to be at Lewis- 
burg on Monday, and on Tuesday evening I had a 
wedding to attend at Big Stream Point, N. Y. "When 
we arrived at the Station we thought best to enjoy 
another breakfast, as we could finish eating the same 
in time to pay our bill, before the cars arrived. Here 
the party separated, and Elder K. and myself took the 
train with our faces toward Northumberland. 

On our arrival there we could get no train to Lewis- 
burg until nearly night. We hired a man to take us 
to Mr. Morgan's, a son-in-law of Elder Eodenbaugh, 
who lived across the river, nearly opposite to Lewis- 
burg. We arrived there in time for dinner, after 
which Mr. Morgan rowed us over the river, and at two 
o'clock I was at home. The next morning I was on 
my way to Watkins, going as fast as the train went. 
At Elmira were parties in waiting to do business with 
me, but I had no time to stop. One of them accom- 
panied me to Havana. When I arrived at Watkins I 



0. P, ALDEEMAN. 333 

found parties in waiting for the boat, who were also 
bound for the wedding at Big Stream Point. One of 
them said : " We are all safe now, for the preacher is 
here who is to tie the knot." The ride on the boat 
w^as delightful, and we arrived in time to marry the 
couple, and everything pertaining to the wedding 
moved off pleasantly. 

October 24th and 25th, I attended a Two Days' 
Meeting at Biker's Hollow. 

On the following Saturday and Sunday, I attended a 
Meeting at New Albany, in company with Elder Ellis. 
It was a stormy time, and our remuneration small. 
On our way home I stopped off and took five risks. 

IsTovember 17th, I was at Antis Fort. The next 
morning I went to Williamsport, where I met Mr. 
Corwin and his Vvdfe, and Ehoda, my son's wife, bound 
for Lewisburg. We all went home together. 

November 28th, I went to Ellington, where I enjoyed 
some good meetings with Elder I. E. Spencer, the 
pastor there. 

I had agreed to hold a series of meetings on the hill 
about four miles from Franklindale. The brethren had 
agreed to pay me a given sum for so doing, and I 
agreed that the influence of the meeting should pay four 
hundred dollars towards the meeting-house they had 
decided to build. This arrangement we called business. 
This meeting: was commenced on the evenins; of Dec, 
5th. The following evening there were five who mani- 



334 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



fested a desire to become christians. After service the 
snow began to fall, and the next day there was a storm 
in full blast, which continued until the schoolhouse was 
nearly buried in snow. I spent a few days on the hill 
and was sure I would have to abandon the meeting. I 
told the brethren I was ready to receive my pay, and 
the amount named for buildinc;; would be forthcomins;. 
That evening we had a meeting in the schoolhouse, 
near Bro. Marshall's, feeling sure that a congregation 
would assemble in the Valley, as it was not drifted 
there, when they were to take up a collection, and take 
the balance of the amount necessary to pay me, out of 
their own pockets. The appointment was circulated, 
— the day fair, — the evening pleasant, — the house full, 
and the collection good. After meeting the friends 
were invited to enjoy an Oyster Supper at Bro. Mar- 
shall's, and while we regretted the non-success of the 
meeting, we enjoyed the oysters hugely. I was in- 
formed of the amount of the collection, at the same 
time told that the remainder they would make up. I 
told them that it was all right, — the collection was 
sufficient, — that they need not raise another cent. All 
was satisfactory on my part, as far as dollars and cents 
were concerned. 

I was informed that Elder John Ellis was at War- 
rensville, and that there was quite a religious interest 
there. I decided to go and enjoy a few meetings with 
them, and made my way there, stopping at Lewis 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 335 

Casner's. Soon the three Ellis' came, — John, Zepha 
niah and Charles. I had not met John for a numbei 
of years, Soon we went to church where we enjoyed 
an interesting time. 

December 26th, I met Elders Ellis and Casner at 
ilntis Fort, where we enjoyed a Two Days' Meeting. I 
then went to Liberty, to visit Elder Joseph Morris. 
The next morning Bro. M. and myself started out on 
the insurance business, and went by way of Block 
House to Roaring Branch. From there I went home, 
and arrived there in time to wish my family a Happy 
New Year. 

Friday, January 1st. 1869, found me at home, in the 
Borough of Lewisburg. Bro. Bucannon of Philadel- 
phia, was selling books there. 

Thus business went on until January 9th, when I 
i I decided to start for Glens Falls, to meet with the com- 
pany at their annual meeting, which was the following 
Tuesday. I had long had a desire to visit my niece, 
my oldest brother's oldest daughter. She was one year 
younger than myself. We spent the days of our child- 
hood together, and she seemed to me like a sister. She 
married a good, respectable man, whose name was Dan 
Edson, and they were now living in the town of Gates, 
about seven miles from the city of Bochester. Years 
had rolled around since we had met and enjoyed the 
privilege of talking over the scenes of our youthful 
days. As E-ochester was on my way to Glens Falls, I 



i I 



336 



AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 



decided to visit Dan and Fanny, and become better 
acquainted with their little family. I had written Dan 
to meet me at Kochester, and on the arrival of the 
train I saw him looking, as I supposed, for his uncle. 
I soon approached him saying, '^ How are you, Dan?" 
At ten o'clock I was in their family circle, where the 
scenes of other days were talked over. The children 
were interesting, and I enjoyed my visit much. Dan 
and Fanny were members of the Presbyterian Church, 
so we had a hope of meeting beyond death's chilling 
tide, to be separated no more forever. 

At the Annual Meeting of the Company, the Direc- 
tors decided that Pennsylvania was too hot for them, 
and they would close up business there. My agency 
was to close the following March, I was to appoint no 
more agents, but put business in as good shape as 
possible for closing. I returned home to decide upon 
what to do, I felt that I could dig, but to beg I was 
ashamed. 

I continued my regular appointments, thinking that 
I would do the best I could during my stay in- Pennsyl- 
vania, Some of my friends were anxious to have an 
Insura^nce Company organized at Lewisburg, and an 
effort was made in this direction. The Charter was 
obtained and a portion of the Capital Stock was raised, 
but before we got into operation there was a change in 
the times ; money was close, business men failed, and 
the enterprise was abandoned. While looking after the 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 337 

interest of our contemplated Insurance Company, I was 
at the Capitol a few times. In company with Bro. 
Landis, who lived near by, I spent one evening in look- 
ins; over the curiosities contained in these buildino;s, 
which were quite interesting. 

I was invited to assist a company that was being 
incorporated in the city of Williamsport, to be called 
the Williamsport Fire Insurance Company, and to be- 
come their General Agent. Arrangements were made 
to this effect with some of their leading men, but when 
a contract was written by their Attorney for me to 
sign, it was different from the former talk. I told 
them I should be som.e elder than I was at present, 
before signing that instrument, — that I chose to with- 
draw the stock I had put in, and have no more to do 
with it, and if my life was spared four years longer, 
I expected to live in a day when the Williamsport Fire 
Insurance Company would be numbered among the 
things that had been, and before the four years had 
passed away my expectation was realized. 

I made an arrangement to become associated with 
the Guardian Insurance Company of Philadelphia, and 
acted in the capacity of General Agent for said com- 
pany, at the same time doing a local business for other 
companies. 

On the 28th of January, 1869, on my return from 
Sulphur Springs, I learned that the Eev. Mr. Evan, 
pastor of the Lutheran church, had left us to return 



338 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



no more. He had met liis congregation for the last 
time on earth, — his accounts were sealed up until the 
resurrection morn. He was a kind and liberal chris- 
tian gentleman. His funeral sermon was preached by 
one of his brethren, from a neighboring town. 

At a meeting of the Lodge of Good Templars of 
which I was a m^ember, T was appointed to represent 
our Lodge in a convention to be held a.t Cattawissa, 
February 10th, and also at the State Convention to be 
held at Harrisburg, the 22d and 23d of the same month. 

About this time I received a letter from Elder W. B. 
H. Beach, requesting me to become a Soliciting Agent 
for Starkey Seminary, as they proposed to raise a fund 
of thirty thousand dollars, to endow the institution. 
At first I thought I could not accept the appointment, 
but after further correspondence, I decided to make the 
effort. I had but little faith that I should be success- 
ful, and I thought if I could persuade any one to give 
for this object, it would be Bro. Griggs, but it was 
quite a task for me to introduce the subject to him, I 
knew he was a warm friend to our cause, and able to 
do something. One day while in conversation upon 
our general interests I introduced the subject, and he 
said he would give $100, and send his daughter there 
to school. 

On Thursday evening March 8th, Elizabeth Melvina, 
our second daughter was married to Win. H. Kuther- 
ford, Esq., of Addison, N. Y. 



0. p. ALDEEMAH, 339 

Tlie next time I went to Warrensville, I talked up 
the endowment, and tlie friends responded to the call ; 
E. Winner, C. Ellis, and L. Casner, gave each $25, 
and others gave smaller sums. John Kough at Sulphur 
Springs gave $150, Wm, Everhart $25, and Sarah 
Bosserman $50. 

Our oldest daughter, who had been in delicate health 
for a long time, had spent the most of the winter with 
us at Lewisburg. "We had become fully convinced 
that her days were fast being numbered, — that ere long 
she would pass to the other shore. She was anxious 
to return to her home at Merchantville, and yet it 
seemed that she dreaded to go. She had a chill every 
morning, then would feel better in the after part of the 
day. Her husband had come down to take her home, 
as she desired, and still she did not seem ready to go. 
She thought she would stay until I went up, and would 
then go with me. To this we agreed at once, as we 
gratified her as much as possible. This was some time 
in February, and we were to change residences the 
first of April, and were fearful that the month of 
March would be a hard month for her, as she was in 
the last stage of the consumption. He little son 
seemed to be a great burden to her, as the little fellow 
was fond of his mother, and w^anted to be sittino; on 
her lap or hanging upon her arm much of the time. 
I talked with her upon the subject of her return to her 
home, and told her that Avhen I went, I should have 



340 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



business at different points, and some a little oif tlio 
road ; but no matter for that, I would go right through 
with her^ if she desired me to, but had been thinking 
that, as her husband would be disappointed if she did 
not go, and as her friends there expected to see her 
when he returned, that if she wished to go with him 
we would keep her little son with us, and some pleas- 
ant afternoon, when the chill had passed over, they 
could take the train at four o'clock P. M., and arrive 
in Elmira early in the evenings stay there over night 
and till the afternoon of the next day, and then go on 
home. This seemed to suit her exactly, so the next 
day at four o'clock, they started, She seemed to be 
feeling as well or better than on previous days, and 
bid us good bye as cheerfully as she could, saying if 
she got no better she should expect us up. We gave 
the promise that we would soon come, and if she got 
no better, would come in a few days. We told Mr. 
Corwin that he must write us the next morning from 
Elmira, and the next from home, and keep us contin- 
ually posted with regard to her prospects. The next 
day tbe letter came from Elmira^ stating that Dell 
stood the ride well, and enjoyed it much ; was a little 
tired when they arrived, but enjoyed her supper quite 
well ; slept well through the night, and ate a hearty 
breakfast in the morning; that it was now past ten 
o'clock and no chill yet, nor symptoms of any. A 
letter w^ritten the next day about noon from Merchants 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 341 

ville, informed us tha^t tiiey arrived home all safe ; that 
Dell surely was better, appetite fair, and no chill since 
she left Lewisburg, A day or two later we received a 
letter informing us that she continued to get better, 
that she had gone out on a visit. This was cheering 
news, but we did no expect such favorable reports 
would long continue. Our second daughter, Elizabeth, 
was at Merchantville with Dell, and would inform us 
from, time to time, as to the prospects of her recovery 
or death. After a few weeks she wrote us that Deli 
was running down again, and she thought we had bet- 
ter come soon, saying : " Perhaps you will not get here 
any too soon." Mrs. A. had already gone, and I was 
anxious to get along with Emma as fast as I reasonably 
could. My feelings were solemn. I supposed I was on 
my way to visit my daughter for the last time. 

On Sunday, April 11th, in the morning, I preached 
my farewell sermon at Warrensville. During the two 
years that I had met with the people there, we had 
enjoyed many good and profitable meetings ; the mem- 
bership had increased, and the church was exerting a 
healthful influence in the community. Some of the 
leading members had asked me if I could arrange to 
supply them one half the time for the coming year, 
saying they would double the subscription, in case I 
could do so ; but as Bro. Ellis had charge of no church, 
and had no permanent place to preach, I thought it 
was best for him to become their pastor again, as this 



342 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



could be done with one half the amount it would cost 
in case I continued. I had become much attached to 
this church, but had learned in former days that the 
best of friends here on earth must part. I bid them 
adieu, hoping to meet them on the shining shore. I 
went home with Bro. Winner, and gave my farewell 
sermon at the Brick in the evening. 

The next day we went to Merchantville, and found 
Dell no better than when she left. Dr. Hayes, of the 
Elmira Water Care, was there to see her, — said there 
was no prospect of her recovery, — that she might live 
one month, and might not live ten days. I remained 
at Merchantville until Thursday afternoon, when as 
Dell did not seem any worse, but rather more cheerful, 
I thought I would go to Addison, to meet an agent, 
according to previous arrangement; instructing them 
to inform me by mail if she .was any worse; and in 
case I heard nothing on the arrival of the mail at 
Addison the next day, I would then venture on still 
farther, in range where a letter would reach me the 
same day it was mailed, until Saturday night ; with the 
promise that I would return the next Monday, as early 
in the day as possible. 

I saw Mr. Kutherford, my son-in-law, at Addison. 
He had been repairing his house, and was now nearly 
ready to move in. As soon as I looked upon him and 
heard him talk, I felt sure that death had marked him 
for its victim, and that his dying day was hastening 



0. p. ALDEEMAN". 6 ±6 

on. I remarked to liim that I was fearful that some 
fatal disease had fastened upon him. He said he 
thought not, that he felt a little down just now, but 
would be all right again in a few days. The next day I 
took the stage to Elkland, where I met I. C. Price, who 
took me to Elder C. D. Kinney's, at Osceola, and the 
next day went w4th him to Knoxville. I preached there 
the following Sunday, and then returned to Osceola, 
where I found James McDowell, from our place, who 
informed me that Dell Avas worse, and he had come for 
me. He did not say he thought she would not live 
till we got home, but said my wife thought he had 
better go after me, and return as soon as we reason- 
ably could. We were quickly on our way home, but 
the darkness of night was soon upon us, the roads were 
bad and the horse tired ; and although my anxiety was 
intense to get home that night, it seemed almost like an 
impossibility to do so. As McDowell's father lived on 
the way, we decided to stop there over night, and 
pursue our journey at early dawn the next morning. 
At five o'clock the next morning we were on our way. 
The miles seemed long to me, but we arrived in 
Addison just as the people were arising from their 
slumber. I called and informed Lizzie that Dell was 
worse, and I thought she and her husband had better 
go over. He said they would come around on the cars 
that night or the next morning. McDowell said Lizzie 
had better go with me, and he would take the first 



344 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



train, which was agreed to, and we were soon on our 
way, filled with anxiety to reach home. When a few 
miles from Merchantville we met a man who lived on 
the hill the other side of our home. I asked him when 
he had heard from Dell. He replied as he turned his 
face from me : '^ She died yesterday morning about nine 
o'clock, not more than two hours after McDowell left." 
We arrived home about eleven o'clock, and found truly 
that it was the house of mourning and of death. Mr. 
Corwin opened the gate that I might drive into the yard. 
He had insisted all the time that she would recover. 
I told him only the day before I went to Addison, 
that I thought we would have to make up our minds 
to give her up, as there seemed to be nothing encourag- 
ing in her case. He said no, he should not give her 
up ; he hoped she would yet recover, and believed she 
would. As we drove into the yard, I said, "Well, 
Orlando, the last hope is now gone." He replied ''No, 
there is a hope beyond the grave." I was informed 
that among the last sentences she uttered, she said she 
would try and live till Father came. 

There had been no arrangements made about the 
funeral, as they were awaiting my return. We decided 
to have the funeral and interment the following Wed- 
nesday, and as there was no Christian minister within 
twenty-five or thirty miles, (the pastor of the Christian 
church at Merchantville was absent on a visit,) we 
decided to call on Dr. Wakeman, the Presbyterian 



I r 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 345 

clergyman at Campbell. He was my friend in my 
school-boy days, and we were both in the Franklin 
Academy at the same time. On Wednesday, April 
21st, the faneral was attended. Dr. Wakeman preaching 
an excellent and comforting discourse ; and at the close 
of his discourse, while weeping, he read her last testi- 
mony, which was written by her own hand, when she 
was not able to attend church in person. She felt that, 
as she could not meet with the church, of which she 
was a member, at the regular Fellowship Meeting, she 
would send her testimony, to be read in the meeting. 
It produced a deep sensation upon all present. The 
following is a copy of the letter : 

'' My christian friends : Although I cannot be with 
you this aiternoon, my mind is with you, and gladly 
would I be with you in person if possible. I have been 
waiting to have an opportunity to meet with you, but 
as the prospect looks rather poor just now, I feel it my 
duty to resort to the pen. 

^' You all know, as well as I can tell you, that I have 
not been very faithful in discharging my duty, since I 
started out to serve the Lord. 0, how I feel to regret 
that I have not been more faithful ; but if my life is 
spared, I think I shall always do my duty in whatever 
circumstances I am placed, the Lord being my helper. 
Pray for me, that I may be restored to health if it is 
the Lord's will, and if not, pray that my last days may 
be peaceful and happy. DELL A. CORWm." 



!46 



AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 



The next day was spent at our old and now lonely 
home. I attended prayer meeting in the evening. 
Sunday, April 25th, I preached at the Christian church 
at Merchantville, in the morning, then went to the 
Yost Schoolhouse in the afternoon, where Elder Kinney 
had an appointment, and returned in the evening. 
The next day I started alone for Lewisburg, to board 
awhile with my son, who lived there. As Mr. Corwin 
was so sad and lonely, my wife had agreed to stay and 
keep house for him, until some other arrangement 
could be made. I took the afternoon train to Elmira, 
and the early train the next morning for Williamsport. 

On Wednesday morning I reached Lewisburg, feel- 
ing sad and lonely, and to my surprise I found Ehoda, 
Henry's wife, sick. Her health was delicate at the 
best, but now she had an alarming look to me, but I 
appeared as cheerful as possible, while she inquired 
with regard to the particulars of Dell's death. I asked 
her what the doctor said about her. She said he did not 
say much, but she guessed he thought she had the con 
sumption, as he had left her some Cod Liver Oil to 
take ; but she talked as though the doctor was much 
mistaken if he thought any such thing, as she had 
coughed but very little, if any. I told her he might 
have some other object in prescribing the Cod Liver 
Oil, but at the same time I was fearful with regard to 
the result. 

The next day, Thursday, Ehoda was no better. I 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 347 

wrote letters to her brothers and sisters that she was 
il], and the prospect of her recovery very discouraging, 
— that in my judgment, if they ever saw her alive it 
would have to be in a few days. I felt poorly qualified 
to transact the business which was pressing upon me. 
My mind was sad and gloomy. When I looked back 
I saw death, — when I looked ahead, death appeared 
near at hand. 

The next day, Friday, I had intended to go to Antis 
Fort, where I had appointments Saturday evening and 
the following Sunday, and wished to transact some 
business there, prior to those appointments; but did 
not feel at liberty to leave at all, unless there was a 
favorable change in Ehoda. It was evident that she 
was still failing. I did a little business, such as pre- 
paring such matter as we needed printed, for the 
printing office. 

The next morning, Saturday, Rhoda appeared better,, 
— was quite cheerful, and I thought I would take the 
afternoon train to Antis Fort, and return on Monday 
morning. Prospects now seemed to brighten a little, 
but alas, how soon they changed. When I went in at 
noon, I saw at once, that she was much worse. Nearly 
all hope of her recovery now failed, and I was sure that 
I should not be able to go away. I sat down by her 
side and began to talk seriously with her a))out the 
prospect of her recovering, and of the future. She 
had not until now, expressed any fear of death. I 



3-18 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

asked her if she did not think we had better have 
another physician, to counsel with the one we akeady 
employed, Dr. Willson, who was supposed to be as good 
as any in the Borough. -She said she was getting no 
better, and would like to have the opinion of Dr. Blair, 
a prominent physician of the place, — that she wished to 
know whether she was going to live or die, hoping she 
was prepared for either. I then called on our family 
physician, who inquired at once how Mrs. Alderman 
was. I told him no better, — that I was fearful she 
would soon leave us, and then told him I wanted his 
honest opinion of her case. '' Why," said he, '^ I have 
thought for months that she would not live long. I 
had thought of saying to Henry, before the birth of 
her child, that she would not stay with him long, but 
did not know as this would be best." I then asked 
him who he counseled with in critical cases, as I 
thought we would feel better in the future, to have a 
council. He said he would council wath any regular 
physician, — that Dr. Blair would be his choice. As 
that was our choice we were agreed. I then asked if 
they would meet at once. He said any time when 
Blair was ready. I proposed that it be at once, in case 
it could be arrano^ed. It was then as^reed that I should 
call on Blair, and if he could go within thirty minutes, 
that I would not come back to inform him, — that if I 
was not back in ten minutes, he would be at Henry's 
within thirty. I then called at Blair's. The lady in- 



0. p. ALDEBMAN. 



J49 



formed me the doctor was out, but would be in soon, 
perhaps in five minutes, — felt sure he would be in 
within fifteen. I. then told her the arrangement I had 
made. She replied : ''I am not acquainted with the 
family, perhaps the doctor is ; give me the name and 
street, and if it is not more than ten minutes walk, I 
think he will be there in time." I gave the information 
desired, and said that it is not more than five minutes 
walk. She said, "Then he will doubtless be there." 
I then hastened home, and saw at a glance that Ehoda 
was failing fast. Soon our doctor was there, but Blair 
was not. He staid until some little past the time, then 
said he would have to visit a patient near by, and if 
Blair came let him know, and he would return. He 
was scarcely out of sight when Doctor Blair came, and 
said as our Doctor had gone to visit another patient, 
and as he was very busy himself, he thought they had 
better meet the next morning at an early hour. I 
asked him if he would examine the patient, and if he 
saw that any thing could be done I proposed going 
immediately for Dr. Willson. He examined the patient, 
then calmly said he would meet Dr. Willson there at 
eight o'clock the next morning. As he went out I 
followed him, and he said : '^ Come, walk down street." 
I asked him what he thought the prospect was, saying 
I wanted to know just what he thought. ^' Well/' said 
he, " there is no prospect whatever of her recovery, 
but perhaps we may be able to do something that will 



3oO 



AUTOBIOORAPHY OP 



make her more comfortable, while she does live." He 
then asked, '' Does Henry suppose she is going to 
die ? " I told him I thought he was fearful, but did not 
think that he realized that she would soon depart. 
''Then," said he, ''it will come like a clap upon him; 
— she must have the best of care or she will go before 
morning. You have an excellent nurse there, who will, 
doubtless, watch her continually. She ought not to be 
left alone one minute." When I returned, and I had 
been absent but a short time, — perhaps not thirty 
minutes, — I was sure she w^as dying. She said she 
wanted the doctor to come and give her something, so 
that she could talk. I did not think it would do any 
good, but it was the dying request of a daughter, and 
I would go with all possible speed. Perhaps not more 
than ten minutes had passed, and the doctor v,^as there 
again. I told him her request and he gave her some- 
thing, I think it was liquor of some kind, after which 
stie talked more freely than before. She told her 
husband she was proins^ to leave him, and she wished 
him to take good care of the little children, two in 
number, the youngest only a few weeks old. She 
requested to be taken to Merchantville, and buried 
beside her mother, — then she met the monster, in the 
last conflict, and at half past eleven, p. M., she sank to 
rest. She was a good woman, but her work on earth 
Vs'as done. 

The next day, Sunday, May the second, I was busily 



0. r. ALDEEMAN. 351 

engaged all day in making preparations to start on the 
early train the next morning, for Merchantville. On 
Monday morning we were at the depot in time, but 
the train was late, so that unless they gained time we 
would fail to connect at Elmira. The dispatch had 
gone to inform her brother to meet us at Campbell, at 
two o'clock, Mrs. Winegardner, the nurse, went with 
us. As we started I thought how uncertain is human 
life. ISTow instead of returning from Antis Fort, as I 
had expected, to see how Khoda was getting along, we 
were going the other way, to lay her beside her mother, 
to wait the call of Gabriel. I noticed we were gaining 
no time, and must, of necessity, lay over at Elmira 
until evening, unless the conductor there would, after 
being asked by telegraph, hold the train until we 
arrived. When at Troy, a little over an hour's run 
from Elmira, I stepped into the telegraph office to send 
a dispatch to the conductor, stating that we Avere 
traveling with a corpse, and the friends would be at 
Campbell to meet us, on the arrival of his train. The 
operator remarked : " You had better save your money, 
and I my time. I would send the dispatch with 
pleasure, but it will do no good, for the more we want 
them to wait the more they hurry to get away. I have 
tried it repea^tedly, and have no confidence in their 
w^aiting one minute, — ^don't believe they would hold the 
train thirty minutes if all Pennsylvania was dead. So 
we went on without sending the dispatch. We arrived 



352 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 

in Elmira about thirty minutes too late for the train. 
I then went to the telegraph office, and asked the 
operator if a dispatch sent from Lewisburg to Camp- 
bell, giving notice of the death of Mrs. Ehoda Alder- 
man, had passed his office. He asked me if I was 
particularly interested in the matter. I replied that I 
was, and after telling the circumstances, he said the 
dispatch had gone up in the forenoon. A little before 
two o'clock, I then sent a telegram, informing our 
friends who were in waiting at Campbell, that we had 
missed the train, and they might meet us on the arrival 
of the evening train. We then made ourselves as 
comfortable as possible until evening. When the even- 
ing train arrived at Campbell the friends were there 
ready to convey us to Merchantville, and the lifeless 
form was taken to the home of her childhood, where 
her brother now lived, only a few rods from my old 
home. The next day, Tuesday, May 4th, the funeral 
was attended. Dr. Wakeman preached the sermon, 
and the body was deposited, as she requested, beside 
her mother. After the services as I returned to Mr. 
Corwin's, our former home, sad and gloomy reflections 
passed through my mind, as I looked upon the little 
motherless children. The question arose, — ^who is to 
take care of them, but I remembered that this is a 
world of affliction and sorrow, pain and death ; and 
that the widow's God would remember the orphans. 



CHAPTEE XXVI. 

The next day I felt it my duty to resume business 
again. I wrote different parties to meet me at various 
points, and started on my way. I spent the following 
Saturday and Sunday at Ashland, and did something 
there for the Endowment Fund. On my return to Lewis- 
burg I took supper with Deacon Slifer, then went to 
the home so recently the house of death. How solemn 
were my feelings as I entered the apartment to spend 
the night alone, where so recently I had enjoyed the 
society of my family. The rooms had been put in 
order after we had left with the corpse for Merchant- 
ville, and the silvery brightness of the moon afforded 
light sufficient for me to see the white clothing, as it 
hung about the room. The large rocking chair in 
which Ehoda died, the little girl's carriage, and the 
baby's crib were near each other on one side of the 
room. Here I spent a lonely night. 

I had ^decided to visit the brethren of the Eay's Hill 
Conference, in behalf of Starkey Seminary. I had 
but very little knowledge of this Conference. I wrote 
Elder Joseph Barney, at Clearville, Bedford Co., Pa., 
stating that I had a desire to visit the friends in that 
section, asking' him to give me some information with 
regard to the route, etc. 



354 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

I soon received a reply, and to me it was a very in- 
teresting letter, as it breathed forth, the spirit of pure 
Christianity, untrammeled. Bro. B. seemed much 
pleased that I intended to visit them, and wished me to fix 
the time, and inform him how long I could stay, that he 
might give out appointments accordingly. The route 
he said, would be from Harrisburg to Huntingdon, on 
the Pennsylvania Railroad, then the Huntingdon and 
Broad Top E. R. to Bloody Run, where I could call on 
Deacon J. A. Mann, — that he would meet me there and 
take me to his home. 

On my arrival I found that Deacon Mann lived 
across the road, nearly opposite the Hotel where I 
staid over night, at the time I made my previous trip 
to this place. I was kindly welcomed at Deacon 
Mann's, where I enjoyed my dinner. Elder Barney 
came about three o'clock. He smiled as he said, '' I 
presume this is Bro. Alderman." As he grasped my 
hand it seemed as though old friends had met. On 
our way to Clearville one of his carriage wheels gave 
way, — broke completely down. I thought this a good 
time to test his religion. He looked at the broken 
wdieel and then looked up and began to sing, '*' 0, how 
happy are they," etc. As I saw no disposition to fret 
I concluded he was a good Christian. He borrowed a 
wagon and we went on our way, and just as the sun 
was disappearing behind the western hills, he drove up 
to the door of his pleasant dwelling and introduced 



0. p. ALDERMAN 355 

me to Sister Barney, a very pleasant lady, who, at once 
made me quite at home^ and I was truly thankful for 
the privilege of enjoying the society of such pleasant 
friends, when so far from my own home. Their chil- 
dren, two in number, a son and daughter, although 
young, made their home pleasant, with their bright 
and happy faces. 

The next morning Elder Cooper came in, and I soon 
found that he was a good and competent fellow laborer. 

The canvass was opened by Elders Barney and 
Cooper giving $50 each, and without my asking them 
thus to do. Elder Barney went with me during my 
stay in that region, and aided me in soliciting funds. 
I enjoyed a pleasant and profitable visit until the fol- 
lowing Monday. I preached at Clearville, Eock Hill, 
Pleasant Hill, Eay's Cove and Brush Creek, and raised 
for the Endowment about $650. 

On Saturday, while on our way to Ray's Cove, where 
there was an appointment for me that evening, Bro. 
B. said there was a man by the name of Sams, who 
lived a little off our direct route, — that he had just 
come among us, and perhaps would aid in our work. 
We called, on him and he gave one hundred dollars* 
We enjoyed our dinner there.. How it cheers the mind 
to meet with such noble hearted, truth loving people,, 
who thus love the good cause. 

Now the question arose, which way shall we go to 
reach Puxv's Cove. Shall we ford the Juniette River, 



356 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



or go around, about tliree miles farther? Bro. Sams 
said the River was high, but had been recently forded 
by strong teams and heavy wagons, but what would be 
best for us he could hardly tell. My mind was to go 
around, as we had plenty of time to reach the Cove, it 
being only seven or eight miles if we went around, and 
about three less to ford the river. Bro. Barney said 
we would drive down to the river, and see how it 
looked. When upon its banks it looked to me like a 
dark, deep and dangerous stream to ford with so light 
a horse and carriage as we were driving. Bro. B. said 
he guessed we would try it, — we could nothing more 
than be drowned ; so in we went, and were glad when 
we were safe on the other shore. It was deeper than 
B. supposed, and as it seemed that we would go down 
the stream, Bro. B. says : " Bro. Alderman, put your 
trust in him in whom you believe;" said I, '^Give that 
horse a cut or two, if you please." The horse being a 
good swimmer, soon struck terra firma, and drew us 
out. I was truly thankful that we were on land again. 
On our arrival we found that the deacon, Bro. Poor, 
was absent, and Barney asked a young man who was 
present to assist him to mend his carriage. I then told 
Sister Foor that, if convenient, I would like to lay 
down a little while. '' 0, yes," she said, ''you can do 
that." Come into this room; here are two beds, and 
as you tire one out use the other. 

When I awoke I could hear them talking in the 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 357 

other room, and was sure the deacon had returned. 
They seemed much animated in talking up the interests 
of the Christians. The preacher from the North was a 
good fellow, Starkey Seminary was to be endowed, and 
things were going to move briskly, and in the right 
direction. I thought now was a good time for me to 
join their number. As I opened the door the deacon 
waited not for an introduction, but took my hand in his 
as though it belonged to him, and he was not going to 
let me keep it any longer, exclaiming : '^ You are wel- 
come here, sir ! " Then said he : " What is it about 
Starkey Seminary ? " I told him it was a Christian 
School, and we desired to give it an endowment of 
thirty thousand dollars. ^' Well," said he, ^' what do 
you want me to do about it ? " I then asked him if he 
had plenty of money. He said, '^ No, not much money 
just now." '* Well, sir, we would like to have you give 
your note for fifty dollars, payable at some future day ; 
pay the interest for one year in advance, then continue 
to do so until you pay the note." '' I will do that," he 
said ; ''you write the note, while I go and mend Barney's 
wagon. Sister Foor placed the pen and ink before me, 
together with paper enough to supply a lawyer, for 
some little time at least. The latter I did not need, as 
I had plenty of blanks. The note was soon in readi- 
ness. " Now," says the old lady, '' there is our son 
Samuel ; he is a good boy, he belongs to the church, 
and is making money. I think he would give twenty- 



358 AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 

five dollars 'to this thing.' He sits on the stoop, — 
you go and ask him." I did so and he consented, and 
gave his note for twenty-five dollars. Then she re- 
marked, '' There is Newton, (making about the same 
remarks about him that she did about the other) "hi 
is in the garden; you go and ask him." I was also 
successful with him to the amount of twenty-five 
dollars ; then the old lady continued, saying, " There is 
our son William, he is a good boy and making money. 
He does not belong to the church. We have talked to 
him and prayed for him, but he don't make a profession, 
but is a friend to the Christian Church, and I would 
not wonder if he would give twenty -five dollars." Soon 
he came in and his mother gave us an introduction. 
Calling him by name I remarked about as follows : 
''We are making an efibrt to raise an Endowment 
Fund. I now lack twenty-five dollars to make five 
hundred in this Conference. Your mother informs 
me that your interest is identified with the Christian 
Church, — that you are not a professor, (for which I am 
sorry,) but wish to do good, and perhaps it would be a 
pleasure to you to give twenty-five dollars for this 
object." He said he did not understand this matter of 
religion as some others did, but had a desire to do 
good, and if he could do it in this way, he was willing 
to do so. After he had signed his note and advanced 
the interest, he looked up and pointing toward his 
mother, said : " That is our mother. We think she is 



J 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 359 

a good woman ; her religious sympathy is with the 

Christian Church, and I would not wonder if she would 

give twenty-five dollars towards endowing Stark ey 

Seminary." ''Now," said I, "Sister Foor, what do 

you think ? " " Why," said she, ''write the note and 

Mr. Foor will endorse it." I told her that her note 

was good without an endorser. When the deacon 

came in to sign his note she told him what she had 

done. "Well," said he, "you may give a hundred dollars 

if you want to." I thought the family had done well, 

and felt that I could preach pretty good that evening. 

As soon as twilight was come we went to the meeting 

house, and I had good freedom in presenting the 

glorious truths of the gospel to a fair congregation. I 

I now saw that I had made a mistake in not arranging 

I to spend more time in this Conference. Instead of 

I writing Bro. B. that I would spend a week with him, 

I I I ought to have said one month. 

' ! I attended the Tioga River Conference, where I 

enjoyed a good time, and the friends responded liberally 
to the call for the Endowment Fund. 

On Sunday, June 13, I was called upon to preach in 
the morning, and was followed by Elder E. E. Wade. 
Alter morning service I went with Elder H. C. Wilber 
to Enfield Centre, — took dinner with Deacon Bross. I 
preached at the church there at three o'clock, after 
which we repaired to the stream, where Elder Wilber 
administered the ordinance of baptism. 



360 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



On Sunday, June 20, 1869, I preached at Merchant- 
ville in the morning. After service we went to our 
modern Jordan, where a goodly number were baptized. 
The ordinance was administered by Elders B. K. Hurd, 
H. 0. Wilber and myself. Among the number who 
followed their Lord and Master down into the liquid 
tomb, were three of my children, viz : Melvin, Lizzie 
and Emma, also Mr. Corwin. In the afternoon we 
enjoyed a communion season, and I preached again in 
the evening. 

The following Thursday, by the request of Elder 
Rodenbaugh, I took the afternoon train and met Elder 
P. Casner at Linden, and told him my errand. He 
took me to his dwelling, nicely situated in a niche on 
the mountain side, where I enjoyed a good visit and 
refreshing slumber. As it was necessary for me to 
leave early the next morning, arrangements were made 
accordingly. The prancing horse was driven to the 
door. Sister Casner put on her driving dress and said, 
'' Come Bro. A,, it is you and I for this trip," or words 
to this effect. " 0, dear," said I, ^^ it will not be safe for 
you to drive this horse down the hill, — I dare not go 
with you, — let the Elder go." ^^Why," she replied, 
'' no one about the premises can drive this horse but 
me. Get into the carriage that we may be in time for 
the train." I was somewhat fearful as we proceeded 
down the dugway. She said I need have no fear, that 
she broke that horse and he was all ri2;ht. 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 361 

Tuesday, June 29tli, I met Henry, Lizzie and Emma 
at Williamsport, and went with them to Lewisburg, 
and the place now seemed more like home. 

On Sunday, July 4th, I was at Elder Joseph Barney's 
again. That evening I preached at the residence of H, 
Barton, for the benefit of an aged lady residing there. 

Death had entered the family of Bro. 0. H. Cooper, 
and taken a child from the family. I preached the 
funeral sermon the following Thursday, and then re- 
turned home. 

July 24th, Elders Hurd, Kinney and myself met at 
the residence of Bro. 0. Armstrong, at Conhocton, as 
we were appointed to do by the Tioga River Conference, 
to consider the propriety of ordaining Charles Lament 
and James P. Topping. Elder S. Morris, pastor of the 
church at Eiker Hollow, met with us and said it was 
the request of the church at the Hollow that Topping 
should be ordained there, as that church, of which he 
was a member, had called for his ordination. Some 
opposed his being ordained at all, saying, those brethren 
who made the call had since said they thought it would 
be wrong to ordain him. We agreed to meet one week 
later at Biker Hollow, then and there to finish the 
investigation. It was then agreed that I preach in the 
evening, also Sunday evening, and that Hurd and 
Kinney preach on Sunday. 

On July 25th, 1869, Bro. Lament was set apart to 
the work of the Gospel Ministry. 



m 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



On my return to Merchantville I was informed that 
William H. Rutherford, my son-in-law, was at Cooper's 
Plains, very ill. He had been traveling, hoping to 
regain his health, for some length of time, — had trav- 
^eled more than one thousand miles by water, but 
instead of getting better was growing worse. At the 
time of Dell's death he was not able to attend the 
funeral. At that time he had his house nearly ready 
to occupy, and we had shipped some boxes of goods to 
Addison for Lizzie, which had been taken from the 
station to the dwelling where they expected, in a day 
or two, to commence keeping house ; but alas, how un- 
certain are our future prospects. As he was no longer 
able to attend to his business, he decided to visit his 
brother, residing at Hart, Michigan, and travel until 
he recovered his health. He was determined to obtain 
relief, but with all his ambition he could not escape ; 
disease had fastened upon him, the grim monster on 
his pale horse was upon his track in close pursuit, soon 
to overtake his victim. 

At the time he started to visit his brother in Michi- 
gan, Mr. Corwin went with him to Buffalo and saw 
him safely upon the boat, then thinking it was all right 
he returned. William arrived at his brother's in safety, 
and remained there several weeks, but not findins^ the 
relief which he sought he determined to go to Califor- 
nia. His brother told him he w^ould go with him and 
as his wife wished to visit her parents at Cooper's 



O. p. ALDEKMAN. 363 

Plains, N. Y., only eight miles from Merchantville, 
that they would go that way and she could visit with 
her parents until they returned. To this he consented, 
in case his brother would go right on with him, and not 
let it be known at Merchantville that he had passed 
that way, as he did not wish his wife or mother to 
know he had been so near home. Soon after they 
arrived at Cooper's Plains he was asked if he wished to 
see his wife or mother. The latter was only eight miles 
distant, the former was at Lewisburg. He said he 
would like to see them, and especially his beloved wife, 
— he would like to see her dearly, but he had parted 
with her once not expecting to see her again till he met 
her in good health, — that if they should meet now they 
would have to part again, which would be a great trial 
to him. His friends there informed his mother and 
our family that William was at the Plains, and his 
mother went down at once. I also decided to go down 
at early dawn the next morning, and satisfy myself with 
regard to his condition. As soon as I saw William I 
felt sure he would go no farther toward California, but 
did not think it best to discourage him much. He 
inquired about Lizzie, speaking in the highest praise of 
her, saying she was a noble lady, and he would much 
like to see her ; but must soon be on his way, and if 
they met they would soon have to part again. I told 
him it was true that the best of friends must part; 
that Lizzie was at Lewisburg now, with Emma, but if 



364 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



he desired to see her we would have her come. He 
hesitated a moment. Poor fellow, I could sympathize 
with him, but was sure that his bounds were set, that 
he could not pass. He finally said he wished Lizzie 
was here. Then the question arose as to how we should 
inform her. Some thought I had better write her to 
come; others thought that might be too slow, — had 
better telegraph, I knew that a letter or dispatch for 
her to come at once, would more or less excite her, 
and she would have to change cars at Williamsport, 
amidst the throng of a hurrying multitude, where 
many passengers take the wrong train. T thought her 
father was the best dispatch that could be sent. 

Accordingly I stepped on to the next train and made 
all possible speed for Lewisburg, arriving there at three 
o'clock the next morning. I awoke the children, who 
were all glad to see me, but rather surprised that I 
should come at that time. I told them I expected to 
stay only one hour. Lizzie asked with a look which I 
shall long remember : '^ What is the news. Father ? " I 
told her William had returned. After a little hesitation 
she asked, " How is his health ? " I told her he was 
no better than when he left, — that he was intending to 
go to California soon, and wished to see her before he 
went. I could then imagine what effect a letter or 
telegram would have had. I remarked to Emma that 
we would need a little breakfast, — that Henry and 
m3^self would help what we could, and she must assist 



O. p. ALDEKMAN. 365 

Lizzie in getting le'ddj to start. We were scarcely 
ready when I heard the rumbling wheels of the om- 
nibus over the pavement^ and soon it stopped at our 
door to convey us to the depot; and forty minutes past 
one o'clock, p. M., we stepped off the cars at Cooper's 
Plains. There had be^n no marked change in William 
since I left, but it was evident that he was gradually 
running down. After a little time Melvin, who was 
there when I arrived, got a horse and buggy of the 
landlord and we went together to Merchantville. 

The next day after dinner we went down to see 
William again, and found him full as well as we ex- 
pected. The presence of his wife seemed to be a comfort 
to him. While passing through Campbell on our 
return, a frightened horse jumped between one of the 
hind wheels and body of our wagon and spoiled the 
wheel. We left the wagon to be rej^aired, borrowed 
one and went on to Merchantville. 

On Saturday morning, after instructing the friends 
to send to me at Eiker's Hollow, in case William was 
worse, I took the train to Blood's, where Bro. Lewis 
Polmanteer met me and took me to his residence, near 
the place of meeting. The people from Conhocton, — 
the neighborhood where Topping lived, were out en 
massCj some for and some against him. Elder Kinney 
preached at two o'clock, p. m,, then we enjoyed a good 
fellowship meeting, after which the committee on the 
case of Bro. Topping convened and proceeded to organ- 



me 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



ize, Bro. Hurd was not present, and Br@, Morris, 
according to previous arrangement, met witk us in his 
stead. I was elected chairman, and we voted that 
Elder Lamont should be added to our number. We 
opened the case and nine charges were preferred against 
Topping, and some of them if sustained would not 
only prevent his ordination, but were of so grave a 
character as to forbid his being a member of the church. 
The committee proceeded with the investigation, taking 
up each charge in due form, as it appeared on the list. 
We worked until seven o'clock, p. M., when a motion 
was m.ade to adjourn. The tim^e and place seemed the 
only question to settle, I thought as the parties were 
all assembled, that perhaps it would be well to con- 
tinue the investigation. It was thought by .some that 
it would be improper to do this, as there was to be 
preaching in the evening by Alderman, and when he 
got started there was no knowing when he would stop. 
I remarked that I had never commenced preaching but 
what I had stopped, and if I commenced again I should 
stop again ; and if it was the wish of the parties to 
continue the investigation, that I would close in time 
to open the investigation again at nine o'clock. The 
motion was then made that the committee adjourn to 
meet again at nine o'clock, p.. M., and that all present 
have the privilege to vote in deciding the matter. The 
vote was largely in favor of this question, only a few 
voting against it. 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 3G7 

We now had scant two hours for refreshments and 
evening service. My text on the occasion was the first 
verse of the 133d Psahn ; " Behold how good and 
how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in 
unity." At a little past nine o'clock the committee was 
in session again and continued to investigate till past 
midnight. Every allegation was considered, and in the 
judgment of the committee not one was sustained. 
Liberty was then given for any one present to tell any- 
thing they knew against the character of Bro. Topping, 
but nothing appeared, only it was the opinion of some 
that he was a fast, self-conceited young man, and it 
w^ould be an injury to the cause to ordain him. The 
parties w^ho, it was said called for his ordination, and 
afterwards said they thought it improper, denied ever 
saying any such thing, and those who it was said heard 
them say so, had stepped out. The council then voted 
to adjourn, to meet at Bro. Lewis Polmanteer's the 
next morning, to agree if possible on a decision. 

Sunday, August 1, 1869. The committee met as per 
adjournment, and after due deliberation cast their votes. 
There were three in favor of ordination and one 
opposed. It was then arranged that we should repair 
to the church and listen to a sermon by Kinney, then 
the ordination sermon should be preached by Alderman, 
ordaining prayer by Lamont, charge by Morris, Eight 
Hand of Fellowship by Kinney, and benediction by the 
candidate. Elder Lamont refused to take any part in 



3G8 AUTOBICQRAPHY. 

the exercise. We repaired to the meeting house, which 
was crowded, all anxious to hear the decision we had 
made. As we entered the house I noticed that Elder 
Edger, a Free- Will Baptist Minister, who lived near 
Corning, was there. My acquaintance with him satis- 
fied me that he was a good, kind, and free hearted 
christian. On informing my brethren of this fact they 
agreed that I should invite him forward, and ask him 
to fill the vacancy in the committee. To this he 
readily consented, and the services commenced. Bro. 
Kinney gave us one of his good, sympathetic, stirring 
sermons, after which the writer endeavored to preach 
the ordination sermon founded on the following texts : 
'' Preach the Gospel."^" If I do this thing willingly I 
have a reward." After which the candidate was set 
apart to the work of the ministry 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

On Monday I went to tlie Plains to see William. T 
found him very low, but seemingly resigned to his con- 
dition. He had been informed by the physician that 
if he had any matters to arrange it would be well to 
attend to it, as he would not remain with us much 
longer. He was somewhat surprised to hear this, and 
asked the doctor why he did not tell him before. He 
immediately sent to Addison for his partner, A. S. 
McKay, who came at once. He made his will, ap- 
pointed Mr. McKay his Administrator, and felt that he- 
had repented of all his sin and neglect of duty, and 
was prepared for the solemn change that awaited him. 
Until his last sickness I never heard him say but little 
on the subject of religion, except to express his opinion 
of the sermons which he heard from time to time. 
While living at Addison he attended the Presbyterian 
church, and was chosen by them to deliver an address 
at a pic-nic. The address was really good, and attracted 
so much attention that it was published in some of the 
county papers. One would suppose it was originated 
by one who had deep meditations upon God, and the 
duty of man to his Maker. 

He said to me : ^' Father Alderman, I ought to have 
prepared myself for the pulpit instead of the bar." It 



370 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

was a great comfort to him to listen to prayer and 
singing. Some of the singing and praying people of 
the place often met there to enjoy such seasons with 
him. He asked his friends who were professors to 
pray with and for him, and exhorted his unconverted 
friends to prepare to meet him in heaven. He said at 
one time, as we were about to engage in prayer, that 
he saw the New Jerusalem, and expressed his willing- 
ness to depart and be with Christ, which would be far 
better than to remain here with those he loved so well. 
I then took my leave, not much expecting to see him 
again while here in the flesh. He died the next morn- 
ing between the hours of nine and ten. His funeral was 
attended on Friday, at Savona, in the Baptist church, 
near where he had spent his school-boy days, — and his 
body was laid in the graveyard, but a few rods from 
the home of his childhood. The sermon was delivered 
by Elder Malory, one of William's favorite preachers. 
I had an engagement to attend a meeting at Loyal 
Sock, Pa., the next day, and had agreed with Bro. 
Jones, our near neighbor at Merchantville, to take us 
to the station. Mr. Corwin had decided to keep house 
no longer, and my wife was going with me as far as 
"VVilliamsport, on her way to Lewisburg. Our time to 
prepare was very short, but Jones said that when he 
was in no hurry he took about an hour to drive to the 
station, — that forty-five minutes was time enough — 
and if he had but twentv he would s-et us there. We 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 371 

liad but fifteen wlien ready to start. We took little 
Willie, Dell's son, with us. Bro. Jones would look at 
the time, then the horses while on our way, and we 
arrived in time to get our baggage checked and step 
on the train before it was in motion, and at bed time 
we were ready to retire at the Delevan House, in 
Elmira. We arose at half past three the next morning, 
and at half past seven were in Williamsport. Here I 
was again to part with my wife and little grandson, 
who was much company for us in our hours of sorrow, 
— they bound for Lewisburg, and I for Loyal "Sock. 

Once more I was a lonely wanderer, separated from 
my family, knowing that some of them I should meet 
no more on the shores of time. 

I was at Loyal Sock in time to preach at two o'clock, 
p. M,, on Saturday. 

Sunday, August 8th, was bright and beautiful, and at 
an early hour the people began to assemble in the 
grove. They came from every direction, and at the 
appointed time there was a large audience. Elder 
Ellis came to assist me. After the morning service we 
went to George Eeady's for dinner, and I preached at 
the grove again at three, p. M. The friends there gave 
me a liberal collection, and I did something for Starkey. 

On my return home I could truly say that life was a 
checkered scene. I was still General Agent for the 
Guardian Insurance Company, but my business did not 
afford much salary. 



372 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



The next Tliursclay I started to meet Elder Kinney 
in a Two Days' Meeting at Sunderlinville, Pa. I called 
at Addison to see Lizzie, who was at Mr. McKay's, and 
she agreed to meet me at the depot the next Monday 
on the arrival of the express train. I then went by 
stage to Knoxville and called on Bro. Wm. Markum. 
About six o'clock Elder Kinney, his wife, and Sister 
Parker came, with two buggies. The Sisters then took 
one buggy, Kinney and myself the other, and we went 
on ; wending our way over and among the hills of the 
Keystone«State. 

At early twilight we called at the residence of Silas 
Eushmore, where we were kindly entertained until 
the morning light dawned again. 

Before noon we reached the residence of Bro. C. P. 
Kilborne, in the neighborhood where the meeting was 
to be held. Here I found one of the best and pleas- 
antest families that I ever visited. Bro. Kilborne and 
his excellent wife were, seemingly, as good as they 
could be ; then there were two lovely daughters, not 
one w^hit behind their parents in goodness, — all four 
being active members of the Christian church ; and then 
there were the little son and daughter, bright eyed 
little creatures, who continually wanted to be doing 
somethins: for our comfort. I felt to thank God for 
such christian families as this. 

Sunday, August 15th, at the close of the morning 
service there was a collection taken amounting to fifteen 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 373 

dollars, five of wliich were dropped in by Bro. Kilborne. 
I took dinner with Bro, Cyrus Sunderlin, one of the 
respected citizens of the town, — preached a^gain in the 
afternoon, and rode to Knox vi He with Bro. Markum. 
The next morning I went to Addison. The train was 
there, but where was Lizzie ? Mrs. McKay was at the 
door of the ladies' room, talking to me and pointing at 
the cars, but I could not hear a word she said. The 
cars were now starting, and I did not suppose that 
Lizzie would go unless I was there. I was hurrying 
as fast as I could to get where I could hear what Mrs. 
McKay was saying, and she w^as making her way 
toward me and talking with great earnestness. The 
thought rushed upon my mind that Lizzie was sick, — 
perhaps dead, as death was so frequent with us. Just 
at this moment I heard some one exclaim : " Here, 
Father ! Father ! " As I looked around I saw Lizzie at 
the car window, — I sprang upon the train, which was 
now in motion, and in a moment was by her side. I 
had not fairly recovered from my excitement when I 
saw the conductor approaching, 1 took thirty cents 
from my pocket, as I was sure that was the fare from 
Addison to Corning, (having paid it many times) and 
handed it to him saying : ^' Corning." '^ I want thirty 
cents more," said he. I replied that I only wanted to 
go to Corning. '' I must collect of you thirty cents 
more, sir," said he. I then asked, ''Is the fare to 
Corning sixty cents?" ''Yes," said he, "unless you 



374 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

buy a ticket, then it is only tliirty." I told him I 
had no time to buy a ticket, — that I only got there in 
time to jump on after he had started, but he said it 
made no difference, I must pay sixty cents or leave the 
train. If I had been alone, I presume, in the state of 
feeling I was in, I should have let him put me off, as I 
was somewhat perplexed, but I handed him the sixty 
cents. 

When we arrived at Corning we walked to Mrs. 
Eutherford's, who lived across the River. She was a 
sister to Elder Kinney, and the widow of Elder Wm. 
D. Rutherford, w^ho was once associated with us in 
striving to build up the cause of the Redeemer. He 
was a good fellow laborer, but had now gone to reap 
his reward. We remained here till afternoon, taking 
dinner with the family. When w^e sat down to the 
table I thought how changed the scene from other days, 
when Elder Rutherford sat at the head of the table. 

A few days later Lizzie went with me to Lewisburg. 

August 25th, I started for Madisonville, to attend 
the Pennsylvania Conference. I met Elder Cooper on 
the way, and on our arrival at Moscow there were 
carriages in waiting to convey us to the place of 
meeting. 

The opening services were conducted by A. J. Clark, 
the President of the Conference last year. They then 
elected 0. P. Alderman to serve in that capacity and 
proceeded to business. Elder J. E. Hayes gave the 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 375 

Annual Address. I went home with Bro. Irvine Ives, 
and made his house my home during my stay in the 
neighborhood. Elder Cooper preached in the evening. 
On Saturday it was necessary for me to start toward 
home, as Emma was to start the next Monday morning 
for Starkey Seminary, and I wished to go as far as 
Williamsport with her and get her baggage checked 
through, which could not be done at Lewisburg. 

On Saturday morning the session was opened, and at 
eleven o'clock business was suspended, and I gave a 
short discourse, and then went to the depot. The Eail- 
road Companies furnished a free pass to return persons 
attending the Conference, to the point where they took 
the cars when going to the place. While at Madison- 
ville the brethren there arranged with me to hold a 
series of meetings with them, at my earliest convenience. 

On Wednesday, September 1st, I started to meet the 
Kay's Hill Conference, at Milligan's Cove. When I 
arrived at Bloody Run I was disappointed, as there was 
no one there to take me. I was there at Deacon 
Mann's all the next day. He said if there was no 
other chance he would take me there the next morn- 
ing. As this was the best I could do I tried to be 
content, and retired at an early hour. 

I awoke about four o'clock in the morning, and heard 
a wagon rumbling along, which stopped at the door 
and some one called for ''James," at the same time 
rapping on the door. The Deacon soon responded and 



376 



AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 



the man askecl if the ^' Yankee Preacher was there." 
Being informed he was, he said : ^^ Eoute him out then, 
if he wants to go to Conference." I was nearly ready 
to go down when the Deacon rapped at my door, 
saying : '^ There is now an opportunity for you to go to 
the Cove." As I entered the room below I was intro- 
duced to Nelson Miller, of Clearville, then to six others 
who were in company with him, five of whom were 
ladies, all bound for the Conference. They were quite 
cold, having ridden from Clearville since one o'clock, 
A. M., and this Autumn morning convinced them that 
winter was near at hand. At five o'clock we started 
for Milligan's Cove, a distance of sixteen miles, eight of 
us in one wagon of suitable capacity to carry us com- 
fortably. By the light from the twinkling stars and 
the silvery brightness of the moon, we sped our way 
over the hills and through the ravines, of which this 
country furnishes a good aisortment. As we became 
somewhat chilly we would occasionally alight from our 
carriage, while cUmbing up the mountain, and skip 
along awhile on U ni fir ma, and when the entire com- 
pany were out we would try our speed on foot. 

Soon after the dawn of day we arrived at the city of 
Bedford, about one-half the way from Bloody Px-un to 
the place of meeting. Here we called for brealvfast, 
and after resting two or three hours we again started 



on our way. 



The road over which we were travelino; 



was a turnpike, made at great expense, and occasionally 



0. p. ALDEKMAN. 377 

we found a toll gate. The toll was Hgh, but we were 
among tlie favored ones, as we were on our way to a 
religious meeting, and therefore passed free. About 
noon we reached the residence of Bro. Daniel Miller, 
near the place of meeting. Here we enjoyed our 
dinner, and at three, P. m., we reached the church where 
the Conference was in session. 

I was introduced to this strange assembly by Elder 
Cooper, and was asked by the President, Elder John 
Barney, to make some remarks. At the close of service 
I called on John Miller, who said he had paid a great 
deal towards building the meeting house, and as there 
was still a debt upon it which he would have to help 
pay, he did not think it his duty, at present, to invest 
anything in the Seminary. I told him that Elder 
Joseph Barney had informed me of the debt, and that 
the brethren wished to paint the building before it was 
dedicated; and that we intended to pay the debt, and 
raise the funds to finish the house, before we left the 
place. " What," said he, " you and Barney going to 
do that?" ''Yes," said I, ''we intend to raise the 
funds from the people while assembled here, at this 
annual gathering." " Well then," he replied, " in case 
you do this I will give fifty dollars to the Seminary." 

On Saturday, after a harmonious session. Elder John 
Barney gave the closing address, and Elder Joseph 
Barney preached in the evening. 

On Sunday, September 5th, 1869, by invitation, I 



378 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

preached at lialf-past ten, A. M. The congregation was 
large and attentive. After the discourse I presented 
the church matter to the audience by calling their 
attention to the neat house of worship which had been 
erected by the citizens of the place, and stating the 
sum necessary to pay the debt still outstanding and 
paint the edifice properly, and the amount was soon 
raised. After the service I called on Bro. John E. 
Miller, who did as he agreed with regard to the Endow- 
ment Fund. Others also contributed liberally. At 
three o'clock, P. M., we listened to an interesting ser- 
mon by Elder Cooper, and I preached in the evening. 

The next day I took the cars for Philadelphia. I 
spent a little time in the Guardian Insurance Office, 
then called on Elder J. S. Smith, who went with me to 
Elder Plummer's, where I staid over night, and went 
home the next day. 

The next session of the Erie Conference was to be 
at Waterford, N. Y. 

September 13th. I was there on the Saturday prior 
to the Conference, and was appointed to preach the 
first sermon on Sunday, but as my carpet bag had been 
carried beyond our station I begged to be excused, but 
the committee said the meeting was to be held in the 
woods, and I would need no change of raiment until 
after service. I found my carpet bag at Union. 

On Monday evening Elder Collins of Corry preached. 
His sermon was followed by some remarks by Elder 



0. p. ALDERMAN. ^ 379 

G. H. Hebbard; who did not endorse all the dis- 
course. 

After the Conference was over Bro. Willard Wood 
presented me with a ticket to Oorry. I then went to 
Elmira, to attend the State Fair. I was informed that 
Mr. Gillett, who lived about twelve miles from Elmira, 
had sustained loss by fire, — was insured by the Guard- 
ian Insurance Company. I went out home with him 
on Thursday evening, and settled his loss by the pay- 
ment of $500, which was satisfactory to both parties. 

The following Saturday and Sunday I was with 
Elder Hurd, at Trumbull's Corners, N. Y., in a Two 
Days' Meeting. 

On my arrival home I found plenty of business. I 
had agreed to attend a pic-nic on Saturday, September 
25th, a few miles from Williamsport, near Bro. Enoch 
"Winner's. I attended closely to my business until 
Saturday morning, when I took the train to Williams- 
port, where Miss Ann Winner was in waiting to convey 
me to her father's; thence with Mr. Winner, his wife 
and other members of the family, I went to the grove 
where the pic-nic was to be held. 

The programme arranged for the day was for me to 
give the first address, then a recess for play and dinner ; 
after which the Eev. Mr. Griffeth, of Montoursville, 
would address the audience. I occupied about twenty 
minutes. The service then closed and I noticed they 
were preparing the ground for a play. Directly a good 



380 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

looking lady, an entire stranger, approached me, and 
with a smile said : ^' Preacher, catch me, please." I 
told her she must excuse me, — that I did not practice 
running, and presumed I should fail, in case I made an 
effort. She said she would not run fast, and would tire 
out in a little while, but I declined. With apparent 
reluctance she passed on, and a moment later she was 
under full headway and a preacher in pursuit as fast as 
he could run, and they went around the circle like 
circus performers. I thought how different the customs 
of different nations and people. 

After the play was ended and the dinner eaten, the 
people were seated again, and listened to the second 
address, which was well timed and interesting. Just 
at the close of this address, it was announced that 
Doctor Green, from the city, had arrived, which much 
elated the people, especially the children. Then 
the question was asked if the audience wished to 
remain and hear him. The vote was for the address. 
The Doctor was a live man, and made a pleasing 
speech. 

I then attended the New York State Association, 
which commenced its session the last Wednesday in 
September, at Newark, N. Y. 

A few days later I started for Osceola, to meet Elder 
Kinney, stopping for dinner at Culver's Hotel, at Elk- 
land, about one mile from Osceola. There I met a 
fellow who v/as very talkative. He seemed to want to 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 381 

know where every one was going, and what their busi- 
ness was ; and could give any information desired, and 
some which I presume no one desired. He asked me 
where I was going. *'To Sunderlinville," was the 
reply. " I am acquainted there. Are you going a 
viewing?" '' I am going there to attend a meeting." 
'* Well, you will get among the Christ-ians there, — are 
you acquainted with them ? " ^' No, sir, I am not ac- 
quainted with the Christ-ians." ''Well, they are a 
queer set, and are making quite a splurg,e." '' What 
are their peculiarities ? " '' They teach that the Saviour 
is nothing but a mere man." ''Who did you hear 
preach that ? " " Elder Kinney." " When ? " "About 
two weeks ago." "Where?" "ilt Brimmer Settle- 
ment." Having obtained all the information that I 
desired just then, I thought some one else might hava 
the benefit of his talk for a little while. Soon questions 
were asked by others, I judged for no other purpose 
than to give him an opportunity to display his talents. 
About the time we were finishing our dinner, I turned 
to him rather quickly, and asked if he was acquainted 
with Elder 0. D. Kinney. " 0, yes," said he hastily, 
" he lives at Osceola now." " How long since you last 
met him ? " " 0, it has been six weeks or two months, I 
can't tell the day exactly, — saw him one day when he 
was coming down from Westfield." " Where were you 
two weeks ago, when you heard him preach that ser- 
mon at the Brimmer Settlement ? " He did not answer 



382 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

this question as readily as lie did tlie others, and the 
company began to laugh. After hesitating a little, he 
said : ''I did not hear him preach that sermon myself, 
but I heard about it." We now only had time to settle 
our bills before the stage started for Osceola. Elder 
Kinney was nearly ready to start for Sunderlinville, 
and about eight o'clock, p. m., we were at Bro. Kil- 
borne's. On Sunday I preached in Sunderlinville, morn- 
ing and evening. The meetings were quite interesting. 
There appeared to be some prospect of revival, and the 
friends were anxious that I should continue the meet- 
ings, and by consent of the brethren at Madisonville, 
where I had an appointment for the 5th of November, 
I did so. "We continued the meetings and visits about 
the neighborhood, until the 7th of November, and 
although we did not see what we desired, we had a 
good meeting. The church was revived, and some 
enlisted in the good cause. 

Sunday, November 7th, 1869, I gave my farewell 
address. I shall long remember when I parted with so 
many kind friends. 

On Tuesday, with Bro. Kilborne and his wife, I 
started for home. We stopped at Osceola to dine with 
Bro. Kinney, and I arrived home about three o'clock 
the next morning. 

On Saturday, November 18th, I commenced a series 
of meetings at Madisonville, Pa., and on the 18th gave 
a Thanksgiving sermon. I supposed Elder Clark would 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 383 

give the address on the 18th, but he said he could not 
afford to " keep a dog and bark himself." 

The next morning I met Bro. Clark, as per agree- 
ment, and went with him to Theoren Secor's, to hold 
religious services before the burial of their seventh 
child, which was now a corpse. The parents were both 
sick, occupying separate rooms. This was truly the 
house of mourning. I was informed that they had 
lost one child after another at a certain age, and now 
the seventh had departed. 

On Saturday, the 27th, we enjoyed a season of bap- 
tism. Twenty-nine or thirty were received into the 
church. I gave my closing address on Sunday. 

The following Thursday I went to the Seminary 
after Emma, and to transact some other business. In 
the evening Miss Jenny Crawford, of Williamsport, 
Miss Alice Grriggs, of Antis Fort, Emma and myself 
took the train bound for our homes. The girls were 
enjoying themselves finely in anticipation of the good 
visit they were to enjoy at home, during the vacation. 
It was past midnight v/hen we reached Williamsport, 
where a Mr. Casner met Jenny and Alice to convey 
them to Mr. Crawford's. The cars rolled on their way, 
and it was past three o'clock in the morning when 
Emma told her mother hoAV glad she was to see her. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

On Saturday, Dec. IQtli, I started for Trumbull's 
Corners, but the storm was so severe that I took shel- 
ter with my old friend, Dewitt Burhans, at Pine Val- 
ley. Sunday morning the storm had abated but the 
snow was badly drifted. I attended church and as 
the minister did not come, I was invited to preach and 
accepted the invitation, and was then invited to preach 
again in the evening. After the evening sermon, one 
of the members arose and said he was glad that it was 
the lot of the stranger to be storm-stayed, — that he 
had been interest and benefitted, and believed others 
had, and proposed that a contribution be taken for the 
benefit of the preacher. 

On Dec. 25th, I had the pleasure of wishing my 
friends at Ellington a Merry Christmas, after which 
we enjoyed a good oyster supper. I remained here 
nearly a week, preaching a'nd soliciting, and obtained 
$150 for the Endowment. I then went to Arkwright, 
where Stephen T. Reed opened the canvass by giving 
$25, and went with me to the residence of Dea. A. 
Tarbox, where I ended the year 1869. 

I was up on Saturday morning in good time, to wish 
the family a Happy New Year. I told the Deacon 
that I wished to begin this year in earnest, and he 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 385 

joined with me in this resolution by giving $25, and 
then spent the day with me soliciting. Briggs, Craw- 
ford, and Rice, gave each $25, and took a collection 
on Sunday; then by adding $5 paid by Hart, the 
amount raised at Arkwright was $138. 

I went to Delanti on Sunday afternoon and stopped 
with Dea. Rolph. It was a very windy night. On my 
way home I was much interested in Lake Erie, as the 
cars were running on its beach. A strong wind had 
been blowing the previous night, and the waves were 
running high, and rolling madly to the shore. 

The subject of organizing a State Association had 
been talked quite freely by the brethren of the Penn- 
sylvania and Bay's Hill Conferences, and a call had been 
made through the Herald, for a convention for the 
purpose, to be held at Sulphur Springs, on Tuesday, 
the first of February. The Philadelphia and Western 
Conferences had been invited to join in this enterprise, 
and thought favorable of it, as far as they had inves- 
tigated the matter. 

The Convention met at the appointed time, and after 
some deliberation, appointed a committee of five, to 
draft a constitution. Said committee consisted of J. 
Bodenbaugh, of Lewisburp;h, Pa., L. Cofiin, of Med 
way, N. Y,, B. A. Cooper, of Clearville, Pa., Edward 
Parker, of Harrisburg, Pa., and James Biber, of Ju- 
nietta, Pa. The convention then adjourned to meet 
again at two, p. M. Bro. Leonard informed us that 



386 AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 

lie had a turkey that had not been eaten, so we went 
over and devoured it. Met as^ain at two o'clock, P. M., 
when the draft of the constitution was read before the 
convention, which adopted it, then adjourned to meet 
at Franklindale, where the Pennsylvania Conference 
was to hold its next annual session, on the twenty-fifth 
day of August next. 

iifter the adjournment, Jacob Kough took Elder 
Coffin and myself to Nev/port, where we took tea with 
Paul Pvider, after which we took the evening train to 
Harrisburg, where I met Melvin, my son, on his way 
to Philadalphia, to arraiige Avith the Guardian Insur- 
ance Co., to take my place as General Agent, as I de- 
sired to move back to Merchantville. We took the 
early train the next morning, and before noon reached 
the city, where we enjoyed the hospitality of the Pres- 
ident of the Company, A. N. Atwood, at the Mt. Ver- 
non House. The desired arrangement was effected. 
I then went home and made hasty preparations for 
mo vino;. 

On Saturday, Mrs. A., Melvin and myself went to 
Antis Fort. Henry and Lizzie were to finish packing, 
ship the goods, and meet us at Williamsport the next 
Tuesday morning, that we might go together to Elmira, 
where my wife desired to leave us and visit her pa- 
rents, who lived near Watkins, before returning to 
Merchantville. We arrived at Antis Fort in time to 
fill my evening appointment. 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 387 

Sunday, Feb. Gtli, 1870, I attended tlie Sanday 
School, and preached morning and evening. This was 
my last appointment at this place, and as I looked upon 
the congregation of kind friends for the last time, I 
asked myself have I done my duty. Monday morning 
came and I was to part with the best of friends; — to 
leave my pilgrim home, but not as in other days when I 
expected to be there again soon. I received from Bro. 
Griggs as usual, a five dollar greenback, out of his own 
funds. He had given me this amount at every appoint- 
ment for the past year, except once, and then the next 
time he gave me ten dollars ; and now he wept because 
he could have the opportunity of doing so no more 
under like circumstances. The parting time came, and 
Melvin took the train to Emporium, and Mrs. A. and 
myself for Williamsport, where we spent the day, — 
she at Bro. Lewis Casner's, and I about the city. The 
next morning we arose early to be in time for the train, 
and after breakfast, made our w^ay to the depot. A 
light snow had fallen during the night, which made the 
walking unpleasant. Lewis w^ent with us to the sta- 
tion, carrying little Willie, our grandson, on his back. 
When we arrived at the depot, we learned that the 
train was two hours late, and we not only had to wait 
here, but would fail to connect at Elmira. Henry and 
I Lizzie came on the train. Mrs. A. kept the train to 
Watkins, while the rest of us stopped at Elmira to 
wait for the evening train, which was also late, and we 



388 



AUTOBIOGRArHY OF 



reached Campbell at a late hour, where we remained 
over night, and the next morning made our way to our 
old home at Merchantville. 

After nearly three years of unceasing and perplexing 
toil and labor, I was once more at my former peaceful 
home with a portion of my family, but how changed the 
scene. I was several thousand dollars out of pocket, 
and some of my dearest friends had departed this life. 
While my meditations were solemn, I knew that the 
past could not be recalled, and decided I would go 
ahead and do the best I. could in the future. 

I had an engagement to attend a quarterly meeting 
with Elder S. H. Morse, at Dewittville, N. Y., to com- 
mence the next Friday evening. I was there on time, 
and we enjoyed a good meeting. There was a prospect 
of revival, and notwithstanding I had agreed to be with" 
Elder Alden Allen, at Springfield, the following Satur- 
day and Sunday, by the urgent request of Bro. Morse, 
I continued the meeting. We enjoyed a good revival, 
and there was something done for the Seminary. Bro. 
Willard Wood gave fifty dollars in cash. He was the 
Superintendent of the County House, and his son-in-law, 
Mr. Hunt, of the Insane Asylum. There was much to 
interest the visitor about these buildings. I preached 
there a few times and remained about Dewittville until 
March 14th, when Bro. Hunt conveyed me to Mayville 
and presented me with a ticket to Buffalo. 

On the 16th I started for the Seminary, It was 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 389 

storming at a fearful rate, which prevented the cars 
running, except a portion of the way. At Watkins I 
took the boat, and the next day I was there just in 
time to take dinner with Prof. Ingalsbe. 

On Sunday morning I preached at Rock Stream, and 
in the afternoon at the Seminary. The next morning 
the cars were running, and Emma and I went home. 

Bro. John B, Young, who lived across the street, 
opposite our dwelling, was very sick, and the family 
wished me to tarry a few days. He died on Monday, 
and on Wednesday I preached the funeral sermon. 

April 17th I preached at Ellington in the morning, 
and attended the Baptist meeting at two o'clock, p. m., 
where I listened to a sermon by Elder Hoag, who had 
just settled there. He attended my appointment in the 
evening, and spoke in high terms of Stark ey Seminary. 
There was a member of the church at Cherry Creek, 
by the name of S. H. Carr, who lived four miles north 
of the Village, in the town of Villanova. I had not 
as yet formed his acquaintance personally, but had 
heard of his liberality in helping our institutions, and 
also when collections were taken. Deacon Rublee said 
I could have his horse and buggy to make the trip, 
and as I was informed that Bro, Otis Mallery and his 
son Alvin, both members of the church, lived on the 
road about one and a half miles before reaching Bro. 
Carr's, thought I would also give them a call. I had 
met them at previous meetings and formed their ac- 



390 



AUTOBIOGEAPIIY OF 



qnaintaiice. I reached there about ten o'clock, A. M. 
Their houses stand in the same yard, and I called on 
Alvin, the son. It was raining briskly and I thought 
best to tarry until the shower was past. The horse 
was at once taken care of, and after a few minutes con- 
versation, I lay down upon the lounge, and the next I 
realized I was called to dinner, the rain still descending. 
It continued rainins; all the afternoon, and as ni2;ht 
drew nigh I told Alvin I must go to Bro. Carr's, rain 
or no rain. He said if I insisted upon going, he would 
get up the horse, and would ride up with me. The 
mud was deep, and the darkness of night was closing 
in upon us when we arrived. I was at once recognized 
by the members of the family, who informed me that 
Bro. Carr would be present soon. A gentleman soon 
entered the room and said, as he took me by the hand : 
^' How glad I am to see you." I remarked that I pre- 
sumed this was S. H. Carr. " That is my name," he 
replied, and then said : "I have heard you preach a 
number of times and want to hear you again. How 
long can you stay with us ? " I replied, "■ Over night, 
— will have to return to Ellington to-morrow." " I am 
sorry," said he, "' that you can stay no longer, but if 
you cannot, I wish you would preach this evening." I 
asked, '' where ? " He replied, "At our Schoolhouse, 
near by." I told him I would do so if he would furnish 
a congregation. Two youngerly men started out to 
give notice that there would be preaching at the 



0. p. ALDERMAX. 391 

Sclioolhouse tliat evening, and in about forty minutes 
one of them returned, saying lie had got his half of the 
house full. I looked out and saw lights moving toward 
the Schoolhouse, which was already lit up, and to my 
astonishment I found the house filled with hearers. If 
a man can preach at all he ought to preach good under 
such circumstances. Bro. Carr gave fifty dollars to the 
Endowment, I then returned to Ellington. 

The next day I went to Franklinville, wdiere I ex- 
pected Elder Field to meet me on the arrival of the 
stage. It was nearly night when we arrived. I saw a 
carriage near the Hotel, but saw nothing of the Elder. 
There was a young man standing near, who, I thought, 
looked as though he might be a preacher's son. He 
stepped up to me and asked me if my name was Alder- 
man. I told him it was, ^" Well," said he, ^' my name 
.is Field. I have come to take you to Machias." I 
enjoyed the company of this intelligent young man 
very much. 

Sunday, April 24th, I preached at the Village in the 
morning, and told the friends I was going to call on 
them to aid the Seminary, and if they would not 
respond I hoped they would put for the woods when they 
saw me coming. The Elder went with me as much as 
he could and preach funeral sermons nearly every day. 
Bro. P. M. Orne also assisted me in the work. There 
were a number who gave $10 each. Bro. Danford 
Wright gave $50, and insisted that I should go on the 



392 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 



Hill and see Deacon Webber, notwithstanding we 
had repeatedly heard that he would give nothing. 
Bro. Wright said to the Elder, '' You go with Bro. 
Alderman to Deacon Webber's." He said he would 
willingly do it, but " had no faith that the effort would 
be successful; but as you have, I will go." After 
climbing the hills awhile we came to the desired resi- 
dence, and were cheerfully received by Sister Webber. 
When I asked for Bro. Webber she laughingly said, he 
had put for the woods. The Elder told her we had 
come to get their donajiion for the Seminary. She re- 
plied, " Put your horse in the barn and stay to dinner. 
We will talk that matter over when Mr. Webber comes 
in." As we went out to care for the horse, I noticed 
Bro. Field was encouraged. He said, " I tell you, sir, 
we will get something. I see it in Sister Webber's 
eye." While eating our dinner the matter was talked 
up freely, the Deacon giving his '' hundred-and-one " 
reasons why he could do nothing in this cause. Finally 
Sister W. said that if he would not do any thing she 
would. '^ Well," he asked, " what will you do ? " "1 
will give fifty dollars," was the reply. We were on 
our return to the Village, rejoicing over our success 
and talking about going to Franklinville the next 
morning, when a man met us with a call for the Elder 
to preach a funeral sermon the next day. The next 
morning Bro. Orne took me to Franklinville in time 
for the stage. 



CHAPTEE XXIX. 

April 28th, 1870, I went by stage from Franklin- 
ville to Hiiisdale, where I formed the .acquaintance of 
Bro, C. A. Jones. On my arri\ral at Franklindale, I 
found their new meeting-house was nicely finished, and 
enjoyed a good meeting there. 

Elder ISTewell had recently moved to this place, and as 
I had in a quiet way, talked with some of the friends 
about making him a visit, I gave public notice on Sun- 
day, that there would be a Eeception Visit at the pas- 
tor's the next Tuesday afternoon and evening ; inviting 
all to come and give the family a hearty reception. 
The visit was a success. The only thing which grieved 
us was the misfortune of a lady who spilled a nice rice 
pudding out of a large tin pan, while in the act of 
getting out of the wagon. But there was a plenty of 
provisions brought in, and the company left in money 
and other articles a nice little sum. 

Bros. McKee, Eockwell, Shiner and Marshall, gave 
$25 each to the Endowment Fund. On my way home 
I called at Milan, and made Elder John Chase a short 
visit. On the 15th and 16th of May, I enjoyed a Two 
Days' Meeting with Elders S. H. Morse and A. Allen, 
at Arkwright. I went with Allen to Springfield, 
where I enjoyed some good meetings, and witnessed 



394 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

the ordinance of baptism administered by Elder AVy- 
man. At this place I spent some pleasant hours with 
Elder S. Washburn, on the shore of Lake Erie, looking 
at the vessels and gathering curiosities. 

I then went to Spring, where Elder I. S. Spencer was 
pastor. There I was elated in hearing about a water 
on the canal called the Basin. It was said to be quite 
deep, to look somewhat like Lake Erie, and large quan- 
tities of fish had been taken therefrom, — and some 
very large ones. I was anxious to become a partici- 
pator in such spoils, — was informed that one of the 
brethren owned a boat, and we could go the next day 
to the Basin ; that we could tow the boat in the canal, 
and when we caught a load we would return. I told 
Bro. S. to be sure and secure the boat, that there mio;-ht 
be no disappointment. I thought it would please my 
family to receive a letter stating that I had caught 
some nice fish that weighed from thirty to forty pounds 
each. The next morning the boat was in the canal, 
drawn with a tow rope by the Elder and his son, 
while I was the favored one to ride and act as captain. 
When we came to a lock we went through the same 
process as though a loaded canal boat was passing. 
By and by the water of the basin was in full view. 
It was really quite a large water, and I suggested that 
we fish from the shore until I saw some specimen of 
the fish we were to catch. We fished a while from the 
shore, then from the boat, with no success. Finally I 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 395 

drew forth a fish, and such a looking one I never saw 
before. It was larger than my thumb-nail. I should 
have called it a very small sunfish but for the dark- 
ness of its color. I asked, ^^what sort of a fish is 
this?" The reply was, ^^It is a Black Bass." We 
continued fishing till nearly night, and caught eleven 
fish, which, altogether, would perhaps Aveigh one 
pound. 

June 5th, I preached in a grove at Beaver, about 
five miles from Spring, after which Elder Spencer bap- 
tized fourteen happy converts. 

June 9th, I met with the Tioga Pviver Conference, at 
Knoxville, Pa. Elders Hurd, Ford and myself were 
appointed a committee to go to Halsey Valley, and in- 
vestigate matters of difference between the church there 
and Elder Bourne. I was called upon to preach on Sun- 
day morning, and Avas followed by Elder A. G. Ham- 
mon. While at Knoxville, I was kindly entertained 
at the residence of George Gilbert. 

Sunday, June 19th, Bro. 0. D. Woodhouse took me 
to Cameron to fill an appoiptment for Elder Wilber. 
This was one of my old preaching places, and I had 
cheek enough to tell the audience that as I had preached 
so good I thought some of them could afford to give 
me a bushel of potatoes. At the close of the service a 
friend said to me, " Your potatoes are measured up 
and ready." 

On the 2d of July, I went to Holland, Erie Co., N. Y., 



396 AUTOBIOaRAPHY OF 

and spent about one week with the friends in that 
region, and enjoyed some excellent meetings there. 
The church was revived, and some decided to live 
christian lives. On the Fourth of July I was at the 
residence of Edwin Jackson, where I enjoyed a pleasant 
time with a party who had met there to eat roast 
turkey, and enjoy a good visit. Mr. Ward, Mrs. Jack- 
son's father, gave an interesting account of his early 
life, and the scenes he had passed through during the 
time he had resided in the place, — he being one of the 
early settlers. 

On the 8th, Bro. 0. A, Jones met me at Hinsdale, 
and conveyed me to his pleasant home on the hill side, 
about two miles from the depot ; and at the school- 
house near by, I told the story of the cross, and left 
an appointment there for the following Monday even- 
ing. Bro. Jones took me to the Five Mile, where we 
enjoyed a Two Days' Meeting. Edward Hitchcock 
gave $5, Jones $10, his wife $2, and Jennett May $1. 
We had no meeting on Monday evening, on account 
of a severe rain. The people were disappointed, and 
wished me to stay and preach on Tuesday evening. 
Jones said if I would, he would take me to Olean the 
next morning, in time for the express train, (which did 
not stop at Hinsdale,) and that would take me through 
in time to meet my engagements, and also give me an 
opportunity to form the acquaintance of John S, Shaw, 
the ticket agent, who was a liberal man and, perhaps 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 397 

he would help the endowment five or ten dollars. The 
next morning we went to Olean. Bro. Shaw was 
absent, but returned about twenty minutes before the 
train was due. He gave $50, then started for the 
ticket ofiice, saying : '^ Stay over with us if you can, 
and if not, call again when you come this way." 

On Saturday, July 23d, I attended a Fellowship 
Meeting at Jasper, — preached at Thornbottom in the 
evening, and on Sunday morning, and at Jasper in the 
afternoon. Monday evening I preached at the resi- 
dence of Spencer Hayes, partially for the benefit of 
his wife, who was in poor health, and her father who 
was aged and infirm. After the sermon four arose, 
manifesting a desire for salvation. The next evening 
I preached at the Drake schoolhouse and others made 
a start. Had another meeting on Friday evening, 
The interest still increased^ and others enlisted in the 
cause of religion. The friends were anxious I ahould 
remain, but as other engagements would not allow, I 
took my. leave. Elder Cheeseman was on hand to con- 
tinue the meetings, and a few days later he baptized 
tw^enty-five. The following Sunday I filled my ap- 
pointment at Merchantville, and in the evening attended 
a wedding at the residence of Lewis Masters. His 
daughter, Alice, was married to Mr. Willis Eising. 

Mr. Gilberson was very anxious to sell me a farm, 
situate in Allegany County, N, Y., which he repre- 
sented was worth $8,000 ; in fact, he said it had been 



398 



AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 



sold for that. He said it contained a large quantity of 
black walnut, and other valuable timber. He offered 
it to me for $2,000, and gave me ten days to render 
my decision. I had heard G. talk so much, that I 
decided to see the place before closing a bargain. 
Accordingly, on Friday, August 5th, I started for Al- 
legany County, accompanied by my wife, who was to 
visit her brother, John Conklin, who lived in Howard, 
about one and a half miles from Canisteo station. I 
had written John to meet us at the station, but on our 
arrival there at half past nine, p, M., we could find 
nothing of John. AYe then went to the hotel but that 
was closed. It was a very light, still evening. I savvr 
a m.an on horseback coming from fche village, on his 
way to the road Avhich led up the hill where John 
lived. I asked him if he was going up the hill ? He 
replied, " Yes, sir." ^' Do you live there ?" " Yes." 
^'Are you acquainted with John Conklin ?" " Yes, 
sir, well acquainted with him, — I live just beyond 
him." I noticed he had some letters, and asked him 
if he had one for Conklin ? He replied that he had. 
I asked him if he would let me look at it. I could see 
by the m^oonlight that it was the one I had written to 
inform him of our intejided visit. I then asked him 
if he would tell Conklin that the persons named in the 
letter were at the station, and he could find them at 
the hotel as early in the morning as he chose. He 
said he would do the errand, and started on his way, 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 399 

and we started for the Hotel. Just as tlie stranger 
was turning his course to go up the hill, my wife said 
hastily : '^ I wish you had told him to tell John to come 
down to-night." I at once called to him to hold on. 
He responded saying: '^ What will you have now, sir." 
^' Tell John to come doAvn at once." He replied, ''all 
right," and away he went, cantering up the hill, and 
we returned to the depot, where I enjoyed a pleasant 
interview with the telegraph operator, who was a kind, 
sociable felloAv. 

About one hour had passed away, when I heard the 
wagon wheels rolling from John's wagon-house towards 
the Station. " There," said the operator ; " your 
friend is coming. I can hear the wagon, and hear him 
talking to his horses. He is an ambitious fellow, I 
dare say.'' " Just listen,'' said he, " can't you hear 
him ?" " I can," was the reply. About an hour and 
twenty minutes had passed, when John and his wife 
were on hand to convey us up the hill. 

On Monday morning we started in pursuit of the 
^^ Black Walnut Farm.'' Yv^e found some rough trav- 
eling, but could endure this, with the prospect we had 
in view. We met a number of men who knew the 
farm occupied by Frank Parsons, but no one knew of 
the Walnut Grove, or anything else to make it worth 
more than $2,500, On our arrival the occupant asked 
if we had come to close up on them. I told him we 
heard the farm was for sale, and had come to look at 



400 



AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 



it. He then appeared quite friendly, and said he would 
show us over the farm. I told him we would like to 
look at the walnut timber first. He replied that there 
was none there. I then asked him who owned the 
land. He said he believed an Insurance Company in 
Philadelphia, — that there had been a sham sale of the 
farm at $8,000, for the purpose of selling to another 
party,— and that there was a mortgage of $1,500 
against it which was now due. We judged the farm 
was worth about $2,500. We took dinner with Mr. 
Parsons, and left Allegany County as soon as we could. 
I had written John Kough, that he might expect me 
there on the thirteenth, and he might give out such 
appointments as he thought proper for the following 
Sunday. I anticipated an interesting visit with him. 
I remembered well the first time I ever saw him, — and 
the smile that was on his face. It was one Sunday 
morning, the first time I was ever in that vicinity. I 
did not get there on Saturday, as I expected, and I 
took an early train from Harrisburg, and arrived at 
Newport before the dawn of day. There I enquired 
for James Everhart. I arrived at his house while the 
family were enjoying their slumber. All was quiet, 
and the darkness of night was around me. I was 
approaching a splendid looking mansion, whose inmates 
were strangers to me. I gave an alarm at the door, 
and soon heard some one tripping down the stairs with 
a light. The door was opened and a beautiful damsel 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 401 

stood before me. I announced my name, and witli a 
smile she said : " Walk in, sir. You are quite welcome 
here. We expected you yesterday. Now, as it will be 
some little time before the family will arise, I will show 
you to a room where you can rest until breakfast is 
ready, then we shall all be happy to form your ac- 
quaintance." As I entered the pleasant room I felt to 
bless Elder Kodenbaugh for directing me to such a 
home as this. When I awoke the sun was gilding the 
eastern horizon. I arose, and as I entered the room 
below, the lady who had welcomed me there, extended 
her hand and announced her name, and then intro- 
duced me to her father, mother, sisters and brother. 
They all appeared so kind that I asked myself, who 
would not be happy, in a family like this. Before our 
breakfast was finished one of our number said : ''John 
is coming," — then went to the door and told him he 
need go no farther. I soon stepped out at the door 
where I met for the first time Bro. John Kough. He 
seemed overjoyed and said : " We were wofuUy dis- 
appointed yesterday, but will hail you with joy to-day," 
'' Come," he says, " let us be going, for the people are 
in great suspense." 

Now, kind reader, we will return to the time I left 
my home to journey to this place. I stopped at Elmira, 
as per agreement, and retired at an early hour. Soon 
I heard a rap at the door, and the landlord said : "Your 
friend you were looking for, has come." I opened the 



402 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

door and in stepped Mr. Gilberson, and in his usual 
manner began to tell what great wonders he had done, 
and what piles of money he had made since we last 
met, etc., then asked if I had decided to buy the Black 
Walnut Farm. I told him I had not. "Now then," 
said he, ''Alderman, there is a few thousand dollars 
there for you if you accept my offer." I told him I 
failed to see it. He said : " There is money in that 
farm, and you may as well have it as any one." I told 
him the farm was a long way from Hornellsville and 
the w^alnut timber, still farther from a sawmill. 
''Why," says he, " the farm lays just above Hornells- 
ville, and there must be sawmills all through that 
region, and that farm has been sold for $8,000, and 
stands in the assets of the company at that amount." 
" I presume, sir, that is all so ; but I do not wish to 
purchase." "Why," he asked, "will you not accept 
of such a bargain as this ? " I asked if there was not 
a mortgage on the farm. " Yes," said he, "I believe 
there is a small mortgage, but that is a trifling matter 
in comparison with the bargain I offer you." " Well, 
sir," I replied, "if you should see the farm you might 
think differently. The mortgage calls for more than 
half the farm is worth." "No, sir," said he, "the 
mortgage is not more than $1,500, and why would a 
man give $8,000 for a farm not worth one half the 
money?" "That was a mere sham sale," I replied, 
' ' for the purpose of selling it to an Insurance Company, 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 403 

wliose Directors buy farms without seeing them." 
^' Why," he says, " you are mistaken about this matter. 
I am sure there are sawmills near that Black Walnut 
Timber.'' I then informed him that I had looked the 
farm over, — that there was no such timber on it, — 
that the buildings were poor, — the land in bad condi- 
tion, — and that I would not give $1,500 for it. He 
looked surprised, shook his head and began to swear. 
I told him that was useless, that if he had got cheated 
in this bargain, he could off-set it against some of the 
big bargains he had made. He then said he must raise 
some money, and w^ould like to see Melvin, as he was 
owing the company. I told him I was not aware of 
that ; — that I had been informed that he reported that 
I owed the company a large amount, — " how is that ? " 
" Well, I guess I did tell Davison that, but I had an 
object in view." " No doubt of that," I replied, " and 
I presume you have an object in view now." He then 
said he would go to Addison, — that the Eldridges were 
going into a grand speculation with him, and would 
expect him there that night. He then took his leave, 
and left me to think, that as the Eldridges were Hotel 
keepers, his " speculation " would result in beating them 
on a snug little board bill. 

On Thursday I went to Lewisburg, expecting on 
Saturday to meet Bro. John Kough at Newport ; and 
as I had written him twice, I had no doubt but that 
he w^ould be there on my arrival. I fancied I could 



404 AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 

see just how lie would look, as he watched with anxious 
eye, the passengers as they left the cars, and the smile 
that w^ould come upon his face when I stepped upon 
the platform. While this train of thought was passing 
through my mind, Deacon Slifer's little boy came in, 
holding in his hand the Herald of Gospel Liberty. I 
took it,- and as I opened it I saw an obituary notice 
headed '^ Kough." I was painfully surprised, as I read 
the name, time, place and age, and knew that Bro. 
John was gone, and that I should only meet him be- 
yond the rolling billows of death's dark stream. 

August 18th, I attended the Kay's Hill Conference, 
at Ray's Cove, I was conveyed there from Bloody 
Run, by Mr, Definbaugh. The passengers were four 
ladies, the driver and myself, all in a bark rack placed 
upon a heavy wagon. As bridges were few and far 
between, we occasionally forded the river. It reminded 
me of the time Barney and myself were in his light 
carriaoie in this sa^me river. The Conference convened 
at two o'clock, p. M., and after their officers were chosen, 
we listened to the opening address by Rev. Joseph 
Barney. I gave a discourse in the evening, and Elder 
A. Miller preached on Friday evening. On Saturday 
there was preaching by Elder J, M. McDaniel, and 
Elder John Barney, On Sunday morning as I looked 
up the high hills on either side, I saw the people mak- 
ing their way to the place of meeting, which was a 
grove near the church. I addressed the congregation 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 405 

morning and evening. Elder S. Logue preactied in 
tlie afternoon. After the evening sermon, Elder Miller 
took a short bench in his hands, then commenced to 
exhort the people, and walked into the midst of the 
audience, inviting sinners to the Saviour. When he 
found those who desired salvation, he would put down 
his bench, and a number would kneel around it, and pray 
for those who desired to become christians. Their devo- 
tion was loud and fervent. While Cooper, McDaniel 
and myself were in conversation near the stand, 
one came out from the multitude, saying there was a 
colored gentleman in the crowd who wish prayer in his 
behalf, and wanted to know if it would be proper to 
pray for him, and if so if they should use the same 
bench they did for the white people. On being in- 
formed that it would be right to proceed with the 
negro the same as with others, he returned and soon 
they were earnestly engaged for the benefit of the 
penitent one. As I was weary I proposed to Cooper 
that we go to the Deacon's and retire, On our way he 
said, "I suppose you do not make christians up North in 
the same manner we do here," and asked me to tell him 
the difference. My reply was, that '^ here you kill the 
victim with thunder, up North we kill them by 
enlightning." 

During the Conference the contemplated State Asso- 
ciation was talked up, the constitution read and heartily 
endorsed, and delegates were appointed to attend the 



406 AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 

Convention, viz : Cooper and McDaniel. Elder John 
Barney was to represent the Western Conference. The 
next day we started, and at eleven o'clock in the even- 
ing, I rang the bell at the door of the Pilgrim's Home, 
kept by John Griggs. At Williamsport Elder Koden- 
baugh joined our number, and at Canton our hearty 
teamsters were on hand to convey us to Franklindale. 
On our way Bro. John Barney said that he felt it would 
embarrass him to represent the Western Conference 
before such a christian body as we were to meet, — that 
as he was young in the cause he hoped he might be 
excused from preaching, — but if called upon at all he 
hoped it would be that evening, as it was the day before 
the Conference was to convene, and the multitude 
would not be there. Just before service Elder Newell 
said to me : "As I am not acquainted with the Ministers 
from the South, you select some one to preach to-night." 
I told him to call on John Barney. The congregation 
assembled, — John was in the desk, — the glittering 
walls seemed to dazzle his eyes, as he cast an humble 
and penitent look upon the strange faces before him. 
It was announced by the pastor, that the audience 
would be addressed by Eev. John H. Barney, delegate 
from the Western Pennsylvania Christian Conference. 
I noticed our good brother was embarrassad, and my 
heart ached for him, as I remembered the scenes of 
other days. Just before he arose to speak. Elder Wm. 
Lane stepped in at the door, — and in his dignified 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 



407 



manner walked with a quick step up the aisle, with his 
high hat in one hand and his nice carpet bag in the 
other. We all felt that a strong man was with us. 
He placed his carpet bag on the table before the pulpit, 
and then sat down and looked John squarely in the 
face. I had no opportunity to feel his pulse, but judged 
from his appearance that he was getting no better. He 
arose to speak, but ah ! poor John ! He did not seem to 
know whether he was in the body or out. He said 
some good things, but was not much older when he 
closed his subject than when he commenced it. 

The next morning the Conference convened. It was 
my duty according to rule, to conduct the opening 
exercise. This being done. Elder Eodenbaugh was 
elected President, and the Conference proceeded with 
business. Elder Milton Clark gave the annual address 
in the evening. 

On Saturday the Convention met to fully organize 
the long contemplated Association. Elders E. H. 
Plummer and H. Conrad represented the Philadelphia 
Conference, J. H. Barney the Western, B. A. Cooper 
and J. N. McDaniel the Kay's Hill, and the Pensyl- 
vania was well represented. The Constitution drafted 
at Sulphur Springs and endorsed by the Pay's Hill 
Conference, was read and freely discussed. Some 
changes were made, and after a long deliberation it 
was approved, — the proper officers elected, — a Mission- 
ary Agent employed, and some funds raised at once. 



408 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

It was now late and the brethren retired, some to 
rejoice that a good day's work had been done, and 
others to dream over the matter. Their dreams were 
terrible. In the visions of the night they beheld, and 
lo ! a calf stood before them, frighful in its appear- 
ance. It was very large, and as it turned around, and 
looked toward the North, the East, the South and the 
West, they saw in the vision, that it was very young, 
but had tremendous horns. It was a wonder to look 
upon. Then they saw in the vision of the night that 
it stretched itself and showed its enormous size, shook 
its head and horns, then spake with a loud voice (like 
Balaam's beast). '^ Woe be unto the Convention that 
created me ; I will bring swift destruction upon it. I 
will spare none of its members, I am too large to be 
handled. I will prove the ruin of my creator ! I, the 
calf, hath spoken it." Then they awoke and behold it 
was a dream. On Sunday the preaching was done by 
Elders Spoor, Cooper and McDaniel. During the day 
several hundred dollars were promised to the Associa- 
tion. On Monday morning after some of the officers 
had left, supposing all was right, the Agent was 
directed to cease his labor for the Institution, because 
the calf was so large they could not manage it. 

On Thursday I went to New x^lbany, and called on 
Bro. Ashley Ladd, who said he had one hundred dol- 
lars for the State Association, I informed him that 
the Association had closed up its business, and per- 



O. p. ALDERMAN. 409 

siiaded him to put his |100 into the Endowment Fund. 
I enjoyed some good meetings in this vicinity, and 
others aided in endowing Starkey Seminary. 0. Hib- 
bard gave $25, and John Brown $50, and others 
smaller sums. 



CHAPTEE XXX. 

September 9tli, 1870; I went to Springfield to attend 
the Erie Conference. On Sunday I preached at the 
Methodist house in the morning, and at the Presby- 
terian in the evening. Both houses were filled. On 
Monday the Conference transacted its business, as usual, 
and I preached at the Christian house in the evening. 

I then went to Beaver, where I enjoyed some good 
meetings, and did something for the Seminary. Hacket, 
McPheeters, Wilson, Gates, Koss, Loucks, West, Wood, 
and Shurman, all gave something to aid in the good 
cause. I then went to Conneaut, Ohio, where 0. T. 
Wyman was pastor, and spent about one week in that 
section. At Monroe I called on Bro. John Haviland, 
whose age was seventy-eight. He gave five dollars, 
and the next day took me back to Conneaut. On our 
way the horse took fright, and ran away, throw- 
ing Bro. H. from the carriage, and leaving me 
to do the best I could with a frightened horse, without 
any lines to guide him. I continued to ride until the 
horse ceased to run. I then went back and found that 
Bro. H. was badly hurt. He was taken to the resi- 
dence of Lewis Thayer, his son-in-law, where the 
physicians, on examination, found his hip was badly 
broken. This accident detracted much from the pleas- 



I 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 411 

ure I enjoyed while I was in this vicinity. On Sunday, 
the 25th, I preached at the Freewill Baptist Church 
in the morning, — Conneaut at one, and Monroe at four, 
p. M. A number responded to the call for funds, giving 
from one to twenty-five dollars each, Elder Wyman 
being among the number who gave the most. 

I then went to Newark, N. Y., — attended the annual 
session of the New York State Association, — made my 
report there, and thence went to Lawrence, Pa. At 
this place George and Truman Middaugh, and Levi 
Andrews, gave their notes, ^25 each, for the endow- 
ment. 

October 7th, 1870, I went to Castile, N. Y., and 
attended a Quarterly Meeting with Elder P. E. Sellon. 
The next Monday evening Bros. Sellon, Phelps and 
myself met a party of friends at Eochester, where 
arrangements had been made for half fare tickets for 
the round trip over Lake Ontario, to attend the Quad- 
rennial, at Oshawa, Canada. We bought ours and 
were ready to take the cars for Charlotte, about eight 
miles from the city. At this point we embarked on 
board the steamer Norseman, bound for Coburg, on 
the Canada side. Our party now numbered about 
forty. In the evening, when the darkness of night 
was upon us, the landscape was partially hidden from 
our view. I looked as far as the gathering darkness 
would allow, over the vast waters that lay before us, 
and thought of many who had sailed out upon these 



412 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OP 



waters to return no more. By and by the signal was 
given to start, and we glided over the waters of Lake 
Ontario. Some of us took supper on board of the 
steamer, and for one, I was well satisfied with the 
meal. After enjoying the ride a short time, I retired 
to rest. My sleep was not as refreshing as when I 
used to slumber, in my youthful days, in the chamber 
of my dear old home. There I could sometimes hear 
the wind howling around, the storm beating upon the 
shingles just above my head, and the thunder rolling 
along the sky, and dying away in the distance, while 
the room was lit up by the vivid lightning. I then 
felt safe, for my father and mother were in the build- 
ing, and that was built upon the solid earth. How 
changed the scene. Now I am rocking upon the roll- 
ing waters, while my father and mother are no more. 
About 6 o'clock in the morning the steamer landed 
at Coburg, and after our baggage was examined by 
the Custom House officer, we took the cars to Oshawa. 
There we found a plenty of carriages, some crying out 
one place and some another. One fellow sang out : 
" To the Christian Church." I stepped aboard at once, 
and learned that he was Jesse Henry, a son of Elder 
Henry. Hi? vehicle, which was prepared to seat a 
goodly number, was soon filled, and we were conveyed 
to the Church. After tarrying here a short time, Jesse 
took a load of passengers to his home to dinner. I 
boarded with him during the Convention, and had the 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 413 

pleasure of knowing that the Christians have just as 
good homes, and are just as kind, in Canada as in the 
States. Elder lams preached in the evening. Wed- 
nesday we listened to a discourse by Eev. H. Y. Eush, 
editor of the Herald of Gospel Liberty, In the after- 
noon I went with Bro. Henry, in company with others, 
to a fair, a few miles distant. This I enjoyed much, 
with one exception,^a heavy shower of rain fell during 
the afternoon,— the people all rushed for the building, 
myself among the number. As I drew near, I thought 
I would rather be in the rain than in such a crowd as 
this, but I found in this case that I was not a free 
agent to do as I pleased, for I was. hustled into the 
building in a harry, and was glad when the rain abated. 
Dr. A. Craig preached in the evening. On Thursday, 
at eleven o'clock, we were addressed by the Rev. Bid- 
erson, a delegate from a people calling themselves the 
Christian Union. 

The afternoon and evening were spent in session. I 
was much interested in meeting so many fellow laborers 
in the good cause of our Great Master. I agreed to 
visit the friends in Canada again. 

On Friday morning we embarked on board the 
steamer, bound for home. I sat at the stern of the 
boat, and watched the village from which we were 
departing until the buildings appeared to co-mingle, 
and finally vanished away in the distance. The bil- 
lows rolled, the boat rocked, the passengers sickened, 



414 AUTOBIOaRAPHY OF 

until a number were lying on deck, both male and 
female. A number of our party took a deck passage. 
I began to feel that I must suffer the same, but Elder 
Hebbard gave me some of bis " Doctor-Stuff," and 
after lying down a little while, my stomach was set- 
tled, my head level, and all was right with me. Our 
party at this time numbered about forty, a fair portion 
of whom were lying on the deck. 

October 26th, 1870, I arrived at Villanova, and 
commenced a series of meetings at the schoolhouse, 
near Bro. S, H. Carr's, where I enjoyed a good time 
until Nov. 5th. I then started for Halsey Valley, 
where I was to meet Elders Hurd and Ford to investi- 
gate matters of difference between the Church there 
and Elder A. Bourn, as directed by the Tioga Confer- 
ence. On Saturday we met at the Church in Halsey, 
and investigated as best we could. I preached there 
in the evening, and after service went home with my 
old friend, Nelson Eumsey. On Sunday morning 
Nelson took me to Strait's Corners, where I filled an 
appointment that had been previously announced. 
The following Monday and Tuesday evenings I preached 
on Prospect Hill. The meetings were quite interest- 
ing, and Bro. Topping, the pastor, requested me to 
stay and hold a series of meetings with him at this 
place and another near by, but owing to previous en- 
gagement with the Church at Castile, N. Y., of which 
Elder P. E. Sellon was pastor, I was obliged to decline. 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 415 

On my arrival home my wife handed me a letter, 
saying, " You hardly get home before you have to go 
again." The letter was from Bro. Sell on, who said, 
''Come as soon as you can; — would like to see you on 
the next train ; — shall look for you every day tilh you 
come." I made my way to Castile, the work soon 
commenced and we enjoyed a good time. On Thanks- 
giving day I gave a discourse, which seemed to be 
well received. We soon had the privilege of hearing 
from twenty to forty who had just found peace in be- 
lieving, together with those who were seeking the 
Lord, speak in quick succession, in favor of the Great 
Eedeemer's cause. On Christmas I gave a discourse 
on the '' Lamb of G-od." On the first day of January, 
1871; I gave a New Year's sermon. I was expecting 
to leave the next day. Bro. Sellon had attended the 
Ordinance of Baptism during the meeting, and a 
goodly number had joined the church. I felt that a 
good work had been done. 

While at Castile I received a number of invitations 
to hold meetings, and had given encouragement to the 
brethren at Honeoye Falls, that I would commence a 
meeting there when I closed at Castile. Elder Wm. 
Sibley, of North Eush, had written me several times, 
and was urgent in his request. I had also written 
him that I would call and see him, as I should need a 
few days' rest ; then, if satisfactory arrangements could 
be made at Honeoye Falls, I would hold my next 



416 



AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 



meeting with him. I remembered that about the 
twentieth of November I received a letter from Bro. 
Ives, of Madisonville, Pa., saying the church there had 
voted to invite me to hold another series of meetings 
with them, to commence the twentieth of January, 
'' and as we give you two months' notice, you must not 
disappoint us." I had replied that they might expect 
me there at the time named. I had been here at Cas- 
tile so long that there were now scarcely twenty days 
to hold the meetings at Honeoye Falls and North 
Rush, and was fearful the time was too short for either 
place. I also remembered that the previous year I got 
an extension at Madisonville, and perhaps I might 
again if circumstances required it. I decided 1 would 
pull out from Castile, and do the best I could under 
such circumstances. 

At the close of the meeting at Castile, on the first 
day of January, Bro. Phelps said : " Stay and preach 
to us once more and then I will take you to Honeoye, 
and as there is now good sleighing, we will have a fine 
sleigh ride, and it is not half as far as to go on the 
cars." I told him that to do so, the meeting must be 
the next evening, as 1 had written to the Palls that 
they might give an appointment for me there on Tues- 
day evening. Phelps replied, ''All right, give out 
the appointment for to-morrow evening, — bring your 
baggage to the church and go home with me, and on 
Tuesday we will be at Honeoye in time for your ap- 



0. P, ALDEEMAN. 417 

pointment there. On Monday morning it was storming 
and before night the wind blew and the snow flew 
furiously. I took my baggage to the church, but did 
not see Bro. Phelps, nor his representative. On 
Tuesday evening, about sundown, I stepped of the cars 
at Honeoye Falls. Bro. Baker, who was there in 
waiting, informed me there was no appointment for 
that evening, — that they were preparing for a donation 
visit for the benefit of Elder Hobbs, which was to 
come off the next Thursday, and as they thought I 
would want a few days' rest, they had decided to not 
have the meeting commence until Saturday evening. 
I then asked him if he would take me to Elder Sibley's 
the next morning. He said he would if I wished to 
go so soon, but thought I had better rest a day or two, 
— that we could start some morning, make a good visit, 
and return in the evening, I said to him, ''Let 
to-morrow morning be the time, and the earlier we 
start the better." The weather was cold and I rather 
dreaded the ride, but we had a top carriage and plenty 
of robes, and about forty-five minutes from the time 
V\^e left Bro. Baker's we halted at the residence of 
Elder Sibley. The distance was seven or eight miles. 
Bro. S. appeared much pleased. I asked him if he 
was ready for the meeting ? He said, '^ Yes." '' Well," 
I asked, '' when shall we commence ?" His reply was, 
" To-night." I told him all right, — to put the appoint- 
ment in circulation at once. Bro. B. then asked when 



418 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



I would return to their place, I told him I could not 
exactly tell, — that they need not give any appointment 
until they heard from me. 

After preaching a few times and visiting some, we 
found the church was in a very low condition, and 
would doubtless require more time than now remained 
before my appointment at Madisonville, to awaken an 
interest sufficient to promote a revival. Bro. Sibley 
wished me to write and inform the brethren that per- 
haps it would be a week or two later, before I could 
reasonably get to Madisonville. I Avrote and the an- 
swer soon came, but there was no adjournment this 
time. Bro. Ives wrote that last year circumstances 
were somewhat different, — that the appointment for 
Elder A. to commence a series of meetings on Fri- 
day evening, the twentieth of January, had been 
announced each Sunday, from their pulpit, for the past 
six weeks, and I must not fail to be there, I continued 
at Rush until the evening of the eighteenth, with a 
prospect for a good revival. I then closed, with the 
promise that I would return as soon as the meeting 
closed at M., unless duty called another way. On the 
nineteenth I reluctantly left the friends here, and went 
to Campbell, then went in company with Mrs. A. to 
Elmira. It was necessary to make this point, other- 
wise I could not get through to Madisonville in time. 
The meeting there commenced at the appointed time, 
Bro. Ives informed me that it was expected that I 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 419 

would go to Chapmantown and hold a series of meet- 
ings, as soon as I closed here. I informed him that I 
expected to return to Eush, as soon as I closed up at 
Madisonville. The meeting was prosperous and bid 
fair for a good work. On Wednesday I visited Wesley 
Knapp, who was a son-in-law to Bro. Ives, and had a 
serious talk with him, — -heard his many reasons for not 
becoming a christian, and when we parted he said that 
he would think more seriously upon this matter, and 
would be at the meeting the next Saturday night, that 
he could not be there any earlier. The house was 
filled at an early hour for evening meeting. Elder 
Clark, who seemed a little playful as he sat by my side 
in the desk, pinching me a little, asked me to notice 
the man with heavy whiskers who v/as sitting near the 
stove, saying : ''He is a first rate fellow, and last night 
he was much interested. I think he will make a start 
to-night, and will influence others to seek the Lord, 
I tell you we are going to have a glorious time." 
About this time I noticed Wesley walking through the 
aisle, looking for a seat, I remarked to Clark that 
there was another man who would soon be converted. 
As only a few hours had passed since he told me he 
could not come before Saturday, I felt sure he had de- 
cided to become a christian. " Well," said Clark, as he 
pinched me a little, '' when Wesley Knapp is converted, 
please leave word at the Post-ofiice, for that news I 
shall be glad to hear." I remarked, " He will move 



420 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



to-niglit." Bro. C. said: ''That fellow lias passed 
tlir ought revival after revival ; you need not elpect him 
to make a start." At the close of my discourse, as 
usual I called upon those who had decided to try and 
live religious lives, to manifest their desires by rising up. 
Wesley was on his feet before the invitation was fairly 
uttered, and some others, including the man the Elder 
had pointed out to me. It was not the custom here to 
invite forward those who desired salvation, and I had 
previously talked with Elder Clark about the propriety 
of so doing. His reply was that he would have no 
objection himself, but as others were opposed to pur- 
suing that course, he thought we had better not prac- 
tice it ; but on this occasion, when a number had arisen, 
Elder Clark said : '' Invite them forward." I did so, 
and ten came, — Wesley among the number. He was 
quite free to talk, and seemed very earnest in the 
matter. He returned to his home a distance of nearly 
three miles, called up his family, and set up the family 
altar. Elder H. Black was also present this evening, 
and took part in the exercise. He told over the con- 
dition of society at Chapmantown, — that they had a 
new meeting house which had recently been dedicated, 
and the people were expecting a series of meetings,— 
that the friends at Madison said there was no doubt 
but that Alderman would assist him, as soon as he 
closed at Madisonville, After hearing his request, and 
the opinion of some of the leading men in Madison, 



0. p. ALDERMAN, 421 

Elder Clark among the number, I wrote to North 
Rush and Honeoye Falls, stating the condition of our 
cause in Pennsylvania. Eush reported for me to do as 
I thought best, and they would be content. The report 
from Honeoye Falls was to do what I considered to be 
my duty, and return to their place as soon as it was 
reasonable. The meeting moved on much to our satis- 
faction. Elder Black remained over Sunday, and was 
determined to take me to Chapmantown. I finally 
promised him that I would help him a few days when 
the present series closed. On Saturday, notwithstand- 
ing it was stormy, eighty-seven attended the Fellow- 
ship Meeting, and all but one spoke in favor of the 
good cause. 

The next Tuesday evening I was with Elder Black, 
at Chapmantown, where a number made a start during 
the week. On the night of the 16th of February, 
1871, there was quite a fall of snow, and the. next day 
we enjoyed a sleigh ride. Bros. Swindle, Lesher and 
Wilcox, and their wives, Elder Black, myself and 
others, were in a sled drawn by four yoke of cattle, 
mostly young, on our way to visit Bro. George Fris- 
bee. This was an interesting ride to me, and as I 
looked ahead and at the eight head of horned cattle 
tripping through the deep snow, I thought if Mrs. A. 
was now by my side, and then the sled would upset, 
that this would be a perfect sleigh ride. . We enjoyed 
a good visit, and returned in time for evening service. 



422 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



The meeting increased in interest and prospered 
finely. 

I was expected to attend the dedication of the new 
Meeting House at Eiker Hollow, N. Y., on Thurs- 
day, the 9th of March, and had just received a letter 
from Elder Hebbard, asking me to be ther« the night 
previous if possible. Besides I had business to attend 
to, so that I ought to be on my way at once ; but as the 
cause seemed to demand it, and the friends were very 
anxious, I decided to remain through the week, think- 
ing that with good management and activity, I could 
then reach Kiker Hollow in time. I had also writ- 
ten to Honeoye Falls that they might expect me there 
on Friday, March 10th. The interest of the meeting 
continued to increase through the week, and converts 
were multiplied. The collections amounted to $42.40, 
then $5 each from two persons, which had been previ- 
ously handed me, made $52,40 received at this place. 
One of the persons who gave me $5 was a Methodist 
sister, whose husband had recently been converted. 

On Sunday, March 5th, after the morning service 
was concluded, the congregation repaired to a pond 
near by, where' the ordinance of baptism was to be ad- 
ministered. They went on the ice with a rush, some 
jumping upon logs that were frozen in the ice; but 
directly the logs began to roll, the ice to crack, the 
people to scatter and soon there was sufficient room 
for Elder Black to attend the solemn ordinance. At 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 423 

this moment I was informed that the team that was to 
convey me away was in readiness, and if I got to Mad- 
isonville that night, there was no time to be lost. I 
left Elder B. in the water, without bidding him good 
bye. We went to Bro. James Swindle's near Osgood's 
Corners, to dinner, — then Bro. James went with me to 
JMadisonville. He was taken sick on the way, and I 
was afraid he would die before we could reach Bro. 
Ives, but he soon recovered so as to return home. I 
here learned that Elder Clark had baptized twenty- 
nine, and received them into the church. The next 
morning Bro. Samuel Swartz took me to Moscow in 
time for the morning train east, but this train ran no 
farther east than Scranton, and I then had to wait till 
nearly night which v/as quite perplexing to me. I 
called on Prof. Bassett, formerly of Steuben Co., N. Y., 
who was now teaching in this city, and spent the time 
there quite pleasantly until the time for the train. I 
arrived in Elmira about midnight, took the early train 
the next morning to Starkey, where I looked over 
some matters with Prof. Ingalsbe, and then found that 
I could get no train to Blood's in time for the dedica- 
tion, which I regretted, but could not help. 

I staid over night at Watkins, and the next day 
went to Honeoye Falls, but they were not exactly 
ready for a series of meetings yet. There was a man 
there giving a series of lectures, which would continue 
through a portion of the following week, and many of 



424 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



the citizen, lias purchased tickets for the course, our 
brethren not excepted. They wished me to remain 
until the lectures closed, or go ahead with the meeting 
with those who chose to attend : but I decided to re- 
main over Sunday, and then make good my promise 
to visit the friends in Canada. 

When I heard from the dedication the news was sad. 
Mrs. Eds on, my niece whom I had visited the year 
before, heard that her Uncle Oliver was going to preach 
the dedication sermon of the new church at Eiker 
Hollow, and as she had never heard him preach, 
thought she would improve this opportunity, and at 
the same time visit her friends in that section; but she 
was disappointed when there, taken sick on her way 
home, and died at her daughter's in Eochester. 

On Wednesday, March 14th, 1871, I left Honeoye 
Falls early in the morning, and at eight o'clock in the 
evening I was at the residence of Elder S. M. Fowler, 
in Oshawa, Canada. The next day, in company with 
Bro. F., I visited Elder Benj. Rogers, and preached at 
the Christian Church in the evening. On Friday we 
started for Orono, but after traveling about two miles 
through the deep mud, Bro. Fowler turned about and 
went to Elder Thomas Henry's, who lived on the Lake 
Shore. The next day Bro. Henry took me to his son 
Jesse's, where I boarded when I attended the conven- 
tion. The following Sunday, I preached at Oshawa, 
morning and evening, and notwithstanding the bad 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 425 

going the attendance was good. We continued the 
meetings a few evenings. There was a mass meeting 
almost every evening, and other circumstances lead us 
to believe that it was not best to protract the meeting. 

On Thursday, March 30th, I went to 'New Market 
and called on Bro. Brooks Howard, where I found an- 
other good home. On Sunday I heard Elder C. H. 
Hainer preach in the morning, and I made an effort in 
the evening. I received an invitation to hold a series 
of meetings here, but some of the brethren living in 
the country, wished it deferred until the going was 
better. On Tuesday I called on Elder Pearcy, the 
pastor of the church, and after counseling with him, I 
went to Bro. J. W. Collins, the clerk of the church, 
took the names of the members and went to work. 
One morning, Bro. Oliver Lundy took me to Sharon, 
Avhere we spent about half the day in viewing the 
Temple, the Tabernacle, and various curiosities con- 
nected with them. I was much interested while pass- 
ing through these buildings, and learning the history 
of the people who assembled there to worship. David 
Willson, the leader in the enterprise, had gone the v/ay 
of all the earth, and the membership, I understood, 
was fast decreasing . Those who yet remain are gen- 
erally called Davidites. The Temple was seven years 
in building, and there are many things connected with 
this institution, calculated to interest the visitor. 

I continued my appointments at New Market on 



426 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



Sundays, and at such other times as seemed advisable, 
and held prayer meetings at different places within the 
bounds of the church, at the residences of John Mil- 
liard, Calvin Weddle, Israel Haines, and Eobert Bar- 
ker, some of which were very interesting. 

One day I decided to visit Bro. Francis Garbut, who 
lived in King. I made some calls on my way, and 
spent the most of the day with Bro. Kobert Miller, ' 
who persuaded me to stay to tea, assuring me that I 
would have plenty of time, and he would direct me so 
that I could find Bro. Garbut without even making 
any inquiry. When I turned into a lane which he had 
named to me, it was nearly dark, I followed this lane 
till it ended at some bars, beyond which I could see 
no road in any direction. Thinking I might be wrong, 
I hastened back to the main road and inquired for 
Garbut. I told the man where I had been, and he said : 
'' You were within one hundred rods of the place when 
you were at the bars. You should have gone through 
and then turned to the left. By this time you can see 
a light." I started again, and when near, I found that 
little ponds or puddles of water were quite frequent, 
and ere I was aware, I was in one of them nearly waist 
deep, but was soon out again. I began to think this 
was taking the bitter with the sweet. I now decided I 
would call aloud and perhaps I might make myself 
heard. I commenced hallooing, but it did not seem to 
tell. Soon some one came out of the dwelling with a 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 427 

lie-lit, and started towards the barn. I then hallooed 
again. He stopped at once and asked: ''What are 
you doing down there ? " My reply was : " I am look- 
ing for Frank Garbut." " Well/' said he, " I live up 
here ;— ain't that Elder Alderman ? " " Well it was/' 
said I, ''when I started from New Market." " Hold on 
a minute/' said he, "I will come there with a light; — 
be careful or you may fall into the goose pond/' " I 
don't think there is any danger of that/' I said, "you 
will not catch me in the same goose-pond twice in one 
night.'' He was soon there with the light, and then 
it was an easy matter to find the way to the house. 
After taking off some of my clothes and putting on 
some of his, I enjoyed a good visit with his christian 
family. On Thursday morning I made my way back 
to the main road, and called on Bro. John Greenwood, 
who lived a hermit's life. I then called on Bro. Levi 
Bogers, staid till afternoon, then returned to New Mar- 
ket and stopped with Dr. Scott. 

On Friday, April 21st, I went to visit Elisha Dill- 
man, who lived four miles east of New Market. He 
and his wife were both members of the church, and very 
regular in their attendance. While there I was in- 
formed that there were two Quaker Churches, and a 
British Templar's Hall, one mile east, at a place called 
Pine Orchard. Bro. Dillman's son said if I would 
preach at the Hall he would be happy to announce an 
appointment, — that he was one of the Boom Committee, 



428 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 

and was sure it would be right. I asked him if I could 
have the hall for a protracted meeting. He said he 
would report my request to the Lodge the next even- 
ing, and let me know on Sunday. Dillman said if I 
would preach there the next Sunday at half past two, 
P. M., that he would convey me over from New Mar- 
ket after morning service, and return me there for 
evening service. To this I agreed, and the appoint- 
ment was given out. The room was filled and good 
attention paid. I judged from the dress that a fair 
portion of the audience were Quakers. 

The Lodge voted that I could have the use of the 
hall for religious meetings as long as I would thus oc- 
cupy it, excepting Saturday, and they would furnish 
light. Some of the brethren v/ished to know what I 
intended to do at Pine Orchard, where there were so 
many Quakers, who were settled and grounded in their 
faith. I told them I intended to preach the Gospel. 

The next Tuesday evening I commenced a series of 
meetings there eaid continued through the summer. 



CHAPTEB XXXL 

As the meeting at Pine Orcliard progressed the 
interest increased, and I found many good homes. 
Saturday, April 29th, I called and took dinner with 
John Crome. The following morning Mr. Cook, with 
whom I boardedj presented me a nice suit of clothes 
from hat down to gaiters, which he said was left there 
for me the previous evening, aiter I had retired. 

On Monday after leaving Jabez Johnson's, hearing 
some one call to me I halted, when up drove Elder 
Hainer, and laughing as he was wont to do, he said : 
^' Why don't you hold on, when a fellow is so anxious 
to see you?" In a moment we joined hands in a 
friendly Canadian shake. I then returned with him 
to Bro. Johnson's, where we spent the afternoon in 
talking over matters pertaining to the meeting then in 
progress. 

On Tuesday evening Elder Pearcy was with me at 
the hall but declined to preach. That evening many 
arose, expressing their desire to become christians. I 
could not count them, but Elder P. said they numbered 
over sixty. 

There was a Methodist church at Hacking's Corners, 
about four miles from the hall, the members of which 
attended the meetings, and took a part. Some of 



430 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

them were good workers, and a num'ber of the converts 
at the hall joined the Methodist church almost as soon 
as they were^converted. Bro. John Hacking, who was 
a member there, — a merchant and farmer, — attended 
quite often, and became much interested in the meet- 
ings. He invited me to preach at their church as soon 
as circumstances would allow, which I agreed to do. 
One evening at the close of meeting, I gave notice that 
Freeman Clark would preach at a given time, but was 
soon informed that I was not thus instructed ; that I 
was only requested to give notice that he would be 
there ; that no one knew whether he would preach or 
not; that would depend on the moving of the spirit. 

By the request of Abram Skinner, the highest 
officer in the Lodge of British Templars, I gave a 
temperance address in open lodge to a crowded assem- 
bly, I learned that at their next meeting there were 
a goodly number of applications for membership. On 
• Thursday I called on Bro. Geo. Forster. Both he and 
his wife belonged to the Methodist church. They 
lived about two and one half miles from Pine Orchard, 
were regularly at the meetings, and were good work- 
ers. She was an excellent singer, and would act as 
chorister when it was necessary. 

May 16th, Elder Hainer preached at the hall in the 
evening. I went home with Geo. Forster. There had 
been an anxiety expressed to have meetings in this 
neighborhood, and Bro. George had a vacant house, 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 431 

which we arranged for religious meetings. This was 
called the Temple. It was one and a half miles from 
Hacking's Corners, and accommodated many who could 
not conveniently attend at the hall. I preached here 
on Wednesday afternoon and evening. Wm. William- 
son, an aged brother, and his wife, who had lived at 
Hacking's Corners, members of the Methodist church, 
attended this meeting, and were much engaged in the 
good work. We had an excellent meeting. Wm. 
Forster and wife, aged people, made a start in the 
good cause, Bro. John Standering and his wife, who 
lived near by, had made a profession at the hall, and 
there were now converts enough in this neighborhood 
to make a meeting interesting. I continued the meet- . 
ings at the hall and the temple, at the same time filling 
my regular appointments at New Market. On Friday, 
the 26th, I preached at the Temple in the afternoon, 
then went home with John Hacking and preached 
there in the evening, Bro. John gave me a pair of 
nice slippers, and other friends gave me a few dollars 
in money. 

I now decided to return home and visit my family 
and friends, and wrote Elder Sellon that he might 
notice an appointment for me at Castile, on the even- 
ing of the last day of May. On Sunday, May 28th, I 
filled my regular appointments, and went home with 
Oliver Lundy. The next day I took dinner with J. 
H. Johnson, and tea with Dr, Scott, who prepared 



432 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



me some medicine, such as he thought I might need on 
my journey. The doctor was very kind to me. I 
rode many miles with him. I took the evening train 
to Toronto. The next morning was beautifuL The 
lake was scarce rippled, and the sky was serene when 
I stepped on board the steamer bound for Lewiston, 
on the American shore. It was not yet noon when I 
saw once more the stars and stripes floating in the 
gentle breeze, on the shores of my native land, while 
just across the river was the flag of the Queen's Do- 
minion. I felt to thank God that I had been protected 
during my pilgrimage journey, under both these flags. 
At five, p. M., we arrived at Castile, where I entered 
the dwelling of Bro. F. Thomas. I was met at the 
door by his daughter Sarah, the first convert in the 
meeting previously held at this place. On Thursday 
morning I arrived at Starkey Seminary in time to 
witness the opening exercise of the school. In the 
afternoon I went with Emma to Father Conklin's, and 
the following Monday I started for Merchantville, to 
meet with the Tioga River Conference. I stopped at 
Millport to attend to some business there, and found 
it necessary to see a man who lived sixteen miles from 
there. This was somewhat perplexing, as it would 
prevent me from attending the Conference. On Tues- 
day, June 18th, I counted out two dollars more than it 
cost me to come from New Market and leaving the 
balance of my money with my wife, I started for Can- 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 433 

ada. I went by the way of Honeoye Falls, where I 
attended the Central Conference, and enjoyed a pleas- 
ant session. On Saturday I took an early train, and 
supposed I was all right until I arrived at Clifton and 
asked for a ticket for New Market, when I was in- 
formed that I could go no farther than Toronto, until 
Monday. This confused me as I had three appoint- 
ments on the following day, where large congregations 
would be disappointed; besides, after paying for my 
ticket to Toronto, I had scant money enough to take 
me through, without paying a hotel bill. I found that 
it w^as more expensive to travel by cars than by boat ; 
then coming by the way of Honeoye had increased my 
expenses a little. A dark cloud now gathered over my 
mind. Here I w^as in a strange land, with but a few 
dimes in my pocket ; a:nd when at Toronto I would be 
about thirty miles from my place of destination, among 
entire strangers. 1 stopped at the Albion House, and 
thought I would report my condition to the Landlord, 
but I had no opportunity of seeing him that evening. 
"When I retired I thought that I was m^aking bad worse, 
that I had already called for more than I could pay 
for, and I did not sleep as comfortably as I do some- 
times. The next morning I walked out into the city, 
observing the houses of worship, and thinking I would 
attend service with some w^orshiping assembly. I no- 
ticed a small brick Chapel with a notice near the top 
of the door, which read as follows : " The disciples of 



434 ' AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

Christ meet here at eleven o'clock, A. M. Seats free." 
At the time named I entered the Chapel, a Bihle and 
Hymn-book were handed me, and I felt that I was 
with kind hearted friends. I enjoyed the service as 
well as could be expected under the circumstances. 
When the plates were passed, I thought : " Cast your 
bread upon the waters," etc. At the close of the ser- 
vice the brethren shook hands with me, and expressed 
friendship. Soon the minister came along, and extend- 
ing his hand, asked me if I lived in the city. I told 
him my headquarters was New Market. He then 
asked if I held forth the good tidings, and my answer 
being that I tried to, he appeared much pleased and 
invited me to take tea with him, to which I consented. 
It was nearly five o'clock when I called at his dwelling 
and he met me at the gate, and said he began to fear 
that I was not coming. I made a short job of letting 
my wants be known. As soon as I related the circum- 
stances to him, he said at once (pulling his pocket 
book from his pocket), "I am happy that I can relieve 
you in this matter," at the same time- asking how much 
I would need, and when informed he handed me the 
amount. I expressed my thanks for the favor, and 
promised to send it to him by return mail. He said 
no matter about that, I could wait if I chose, till I 
was in the city again. His name was T. C, Scott, and 
he was not only a preacher, but a custom-house officer. 
On Monday morning I went to New Market ; just called 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 435 

at "Wm. Cook's, then went to Dr. Scott's, then rode 
with John Crome to Levi Kogers', and returning, took 
dinner with Crome ; then enclosed the money to Elder 
Scott, and went to Pine Orchard, and from this time 
preached at the Hall and Temple as I had done before. 

The friends at Hackins^'s Corners had made arranp;e- 
ments for me to supply the pulpit there each alternate 
Sunday evening, during my stay at New Market. 
The following Tuesday Bro. Kertin came by agree- 
ment, and took me to his home at Glenville, three 
miles from ISTew Market. Mrs. Kertin was not a pro- 
fessor of religion, but had some feeling on the subject, 
and talked encouragingly of commencing a christian life. 
Her health was delicate, but she thought she would 
attend the next Fellowship Meeting at New Market. 
The next day Bro. K. took me to Bro. Barker's, and 
he went v/ith me to my appointment at Pine Orchard. 

The following Tuesday Wm. Williamson took me 
from Hacking's to New Market, where I learned 
that there was a messenger after me to preach the 
funeral sermon of Mrs. Kertin. I thought how un- 
certain is human life. I attended her funeral the next 
day. 

Thursdgiy, August 3d, a large party of us went to 
Mussleman's Lake, where we enjoyed a season of bap- 
tism. The Methodist minister met me there and 
baptized some converts who had joined the Methodist 
church. This was a beautiful sheet of water j3overing 



436 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



about tliree liundred acres, surrounded by evergreen. 
At this point I met Elder Jesse Tatten, who led the 
singing as we walked from the dwelling of sister 
Emily Helemca to the water side. Elders Hainer, 
Macklem, and Johnson were present on the occasion. 
The baptismal scene closed a little past three o'clock ; 
I preached at the residence of sister Emily at four 
o'clock, and at Bro. John H. Stalee's in the evening. 
The house was filled to its utmost capacity we had a 
warm spiritual meeting, and heard many testify to the 
goodness of God. On Friday I went with Bro. Wm. 
Macklem to his home, a few miles from Pine Orchard. 
On our way we passed the ruins of an old fort,- where, 
doubtless, a battle had once been fought. Bro. M, 
said that years ago the bones of human beings were 
found near the ruins of the fort in abundance. In 
some places it was supposed there were large numbers 
buried together, perhaps thrown into piles in a careless 
manner, I preached in the evening at the residence 
of J, Hutchinson, in the vicinity v/here Bro. Wm. 
lived. Sunday, August 13th, 1871, I preached at the 
KinQ^ church in the forenoon, and attended their Sun- 
day school, and found a band of noble hearted christ- 
ians, actively engaged in the good work. I received 
from T. Ililborne thirteen dollars for a Bible to pre- 
sent to the Superintendent, to be marked in gold 
letters : " Presented to M. J, Bogart, by the King 
Sunday School." 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 437 

August 23d I went with Elder Macklem to Brougliam, 
where we called on Wm. Dunning, who said to me : 
''Although this is the first time I ever saw you, I have 
been acquainted with you for many years." At this 
place we have a nice brick Chapel, where we enjoyed 
meetings that day and evening. The next day I went 
home with Elder Tatten, and we made a short visit at 
Casper "Wilson's. Long shall I remember the pleasant 
interview enjoyed with this kind, interesting, and 
christian family. The next evening I preached in the 
new Church at Whitevale, The following evening 
about sundown, Bro. Tatten was sitting at one of the 
windows in Smith's Hall, at Green Eiver, singing some 
of his beautiful songs, which attracted the attention of 
the people, and the room was soon filled, and I had a 
good time preaching to an attentive audience. After 
service I went home with Bro. Verro. 

Sunday, August 27th, I preached at Bingwood, 
Stoufi:sville, and Bloomington. The next morning El- 
der Johnson took me to the Forster neighborhood. 
September 10th I preached at the Temple in the morn- 
ing, at the Hall in the afternoon, and my closing ser- 
mon at New Market in the evening. 

On Wednesday Bro. S. Johnson took me to Keswich, 
on Lake Simcoe, where the Conference and jubilee 
were held. There I met an aged lady who was one of 
the original members of the First Christian Church in 
Canada, organized fifty years ago by Elder AWeii 



438 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



Huntly, On Saturday we went to tlie beautiful Ever- 
green Grove, where Elder Joseph Blackmar gave a 
discourse in the mornings and Elder I. C. Goff in the 
afternoon, and I put forth an effort at the Church in 
the evening. On Sunday, Sept. 17th, we enjoyed ser- 
vices in the Grove again. "We truly felt that this was 
the Jubilee. The Conference was ably conducted by 
their President, Eev. Thos. Garbut. At this gather- 
ing I formed the acquaintance of many that I expect 
to meet no more, until we are called together by Ga- 
briel's Trump. 

I had accepted an invitation to attend a quarterly 
meeting at Ellington, N. Y,, to commence on Satur- 
day, the last day of September. I had written Bro. 
S. H. Carr, of Villanova, to meet me at Eorestville, 
on Thursday the 28th. 

On Tuesday I called on Wm. Case, and was there 
informed tha.t the friends, wished to see me at the 
Temple the following evening, Sept. 20th. At an 
early hour the friends commenced gathering, bringing 
refreshments of various kinds. We enjoyed a good 
social time, and the friends left for my benefit about 
twenty dollars. 

Sunday, Sept. 24th, was spent with Elder Tatten. 
I filled three appointments for him, the collections that 
day amounted to thirteen dollars, Canada money. On 
Tuesday evening I preached at Hacking's Corners, and 
the next day I went to Toronto, and called on Bro. 



0. p. ALDER^IAN. 439 

Stephen Webster, whose acquaintance I formed at tlie 
Conference. I called on my old friend Elder T. C. 
Scott ; then in company with Bro. Webster I visited 
the JSTormal School Museum, and stayed with him over 
night. The next morning I left Toronto and sailed 
over the waters of Lake Ontario, bound for the Amer- 
ican shore. The sun had not reached its meridian, 
when we were sailing up the Niagara river, between 
the flags of the two nations, on either shore. On my 
arrival at Lewiston, I learned that I could not leave 
Dunkirk for Forestville until ten o'clock in the evening. 
I felt sure Bro. Carr would be in waiting at Forest- 
ville, and gloomily thinking of the 'hours I would have 
to wait at Dunkirk, when the brakes were whistled 
down, and the brakesman called out, ^^ Silver Creek ! " 
The wheels had hardly ceased to roll, when a fellow 
. rushed into the car, and looked sharply at each pas- 
senger as he passed hastily along, I thought him to 
be a sheriff or detective, and supposed of course he 
would pass me, but in a moment he caught me by the 
collar exclaiming : '' You are the fellow I am after, 
sir! Out of here mighty quick!" I said to him, ''I 
guess you are a little too fast, — perhaps you are mis- 
taken in the person." '' No," he said, " I am none too 
fast, neither am I mistaken in the person ; come, out of 
here, and I will take you to Bro. Carr's on double 
quick time." " Who are you ? " I asked. " Don't you 
know Earl Douglass? Come on. We will be home 



440 



AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 



before you can get to Forestville on the train." I now 
recognized my friend, and understood full well what he 
wanted. I hastened and got my baggage, and was 
soon beside my gallant driver in Bro. Carr's carriage, 
drawn by those horses that I had often rode after in 
other days. The evening was beautiful, — warm enough, 
the moon was shedding her silvery brightness around 
us, and the sixteen miles seemed short. When the 
carriage was at the door, Bro, Carr and the family 
rushed out joyfully, to welcome the returning friend. 
The table was loaded with luxuries, and the pleasant 
scenes of former da3^s were again revived. The next 
day in the afternoon we went to Ellington, where we 
enjoyed a good meeting. 

While at Ellington I promised to make them an- 
other visit before returning to Canada, and also agreed 
to hold a Two Bays' Meeting at Arkwright, to com- 
mence on Friday evening, the 20th of October. 

The following Saturday as the sun was sinking be- 
hind the western hills, I reached my home in Mer- 
chantville. 

On the 19th of October, 1871, I started for Canada 
by way of Arkwright. I called at Ellington, where I 
found a letter from Kev. E. E. Wade, Secretary of the 
Missionary Bepartment of the New York State Christian 
Association, asking three questions : '' Can we engage 
you as a Missionary, what salary must I pay, and 
when can you commence." I replied, and was informed 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 441 

by return mail, that my proposition was satisfactoiy, 
and that I might commence my labor in Chautauqua 
county. The churches at Arkwright, Delanti, Cherry 
Creek and Ellington joined in a petition to let me 
remain within their bounds, and they would help pay 
my salary. This was partially agreed to, and I entered 
upon my work.. 

December 5th I was to meet my wife at Dayton, 
N. Y. The wind was blowing at a fearful rate, and 
the snow was fiercely moving over the landscape. 
Sister Briggs appeared as cheerful as though it was a 
summer day. Bro. Briggs came in covered with snow. 
I asked him what he thought of this, '^ V/hy," he re- 
plied, ^Hhis is nothing but an Arkwright thaw." It 
was nearly twenty miles to Dayton, and Bro. Carr 
lived about one-half the way. At eleven o'clock we 
were at Bro. Carr's, and at five, p. M., Bro. C. and 
myself were at Dayton, where I received a telegram 
from my wife, stating that she had missed the train 
at Painted Post, but would come the next day, if I 
would meet her at the station. The following day was 
still more tedious, but we w^ere there on time. On the 
arrival of the train Mrs. A. appeared on the platform. 
She was well, wide-awake and full of talk. She was 
quite surprised that we were there with a sleigh ex- 
pecting to ride nine miles, when there was no snow 
whatever at Merchantville. My wife remained with 
me about four weeks. It was a cold and tedious time. 



442 



AUTOBIOGK.\PUY OF 



Sometimes I could not meet my engagements; as we 
were obliged to stay nearly a week at one place. We 
were disappointed about attending the surprise party 
at Elder Totman's, visiting the County House and Asy- 
lum, and several other places where we intended to go. 
We attended the donation made for our benefit, but it 
required quite an effort to get there. 

Monday, January 1st, 1872, we were at Alonzo 
Bailey's in Pomfret. We made a New Year's visit 
at Hylas Webster's, where we enjoyed a pleasant time 
and a good oyster supper. Mr. Webster, although a 
mute, seemed to be ^s sociable as any of the company. 

The following morning Bro. Bailey took us to Fre- 
donia, and we came together to Blood's, about thirty 
miles from Merchantville. The next morning we 
parted, Mrs. A. taking the cars for home, and I the 
stage to Naples, where I was to hold a series of meet- 
ings with Elder Beach. On Tuesday, the 30th, my 
wife came to visit me at Naples, where we were enjoy- 
ing a good revival. About thirty made a profession 
of religion. 

On Saturday, February 3d, J. M. Pressler came and 
took us to Eiker Hollow, where I was to preach the 
following day. On Monday Mrs. A. returned home. 
I accompanied her to Blood's, and preached at the Hall 
in the evening. The next morning G. W. Walden 
started with me for Bicker Hollow. We went by a 
circuitous route for the purpose of calling on some 



0. p. ALDEEMAN. 443 

friends. The going was all sorts, and we partially lost 
our route and found ourselves before a dwelling where 
we could not tell which way to go ; in fact, we could 
see no road in any direction, and the storm was beating 
briskly upon us. I suggested to Bro, Walden the pro- 
priety of calling and making some inquiry. We were 
welcomed by the man of the house, who seemed like a 
resolute fellow, and willing to give us all the informa- 
tion we needed about the geography of the country, 
and seemed a little curious to know what our business 
was. I asked him how far it was to Harrison Briglin's. 
He told us very correctly and described the w^ay. 

I told him we were going to the Hollow to hold 
some meetings, and asked him if he thought it would 
do any good. " Well '' said he ^' it might. It won't 
do any hurt, any way.'' ''Do you attend meeting 
there." "Yes, sir, sometimes." "Will you come 
down and see us, when we get fairly a going ? " " Yes, 
sir. When does it begin." "To-night." "I'll be 
there, sir.'\ 

After we had started on our way, Bro. Walden said: 
" You did not ask that fellow vdiether or not he w^as a 
professor." " No," I told him, " I knew that without 
asking, but I expect to see him among the converts." 
His name was Wm. Polmanteer. He was at the meet- 
ing nearly every night. At first he sat quite remote 
from the desk, but continued getting a little nearer, 
until he was quite nigh. One evening he arose and 



il 



M4 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



exclaimed, ^' I am the worstest man among you and 
would like to be a christian if possible." He soon 
came out clear and bright, and made an earnest 
christian. 

March 14th the friends made a donation at the resi- 
dence of Harrison Graves' for my benefit ; and th ■ 
following day I returned to my field of labor in Chau- 
tauqua county. While I was enjoying good revivals 
at Naples and Eiker Hollow, our cause was on the de- 
cline in other places. After spending a few days in 
Chautauqua county, I returned again to Steuben, and 
spent about a week in the vicinity of Eiker Hollow 
and Merchantville. At the latter place I married a 
couple on the 11th of April. I then went back to 
Chautauqua county, and in addition to filling my regu- 
lar appointments at the four churches before named, 
I preached some at Arkwright Center, Pleasant Valley, 
and other places in that section, and saw some revi- 
vals. 

I attended a Two Days' Meeting on the third and 
fourth of May, with Elder Field, at Machias, and had 
some appointments along the way. 

On the evening of June 3d, at a late hour, I arrived 
at Blood's, where Frank Simons, his wife, and my 
daughter Lizzie, were in waiting to take me home with 
them. The next day my wife came, in company with 
others, to attend the Conference at Eiker Hollow. 
Valentine Eeep went with me to Naples, where I had 



0. p. ALBERMAK. 445 

been invited to preacli on Sunday. After Conference 
I returned to Arkwright. 

On Sunday, after morning service at Arkwright, 
Wm. Allen started with me to my appointments at De- 
lanti. On our way we were called upon to stop and 
help eat a nice strawberry pudding. I notice that 
Allen was not as bashful when away from home as one 
might suppose. 

July 7th, I preached at Ellington, Cherry Creek, and 
Kenedy. The following Thursday I preached the 
funeral sermon of sister Philena Malery, at Cherry 
Creek. 

August 4th, at the residence of S. H. Carr, I mar- 
ried his daughter Sarah and Mr. A. Johnson. I did 
not feel very bad when Mr. J, put a $10 greenback 
in my hand. 

On the evening of Aug. 18th, I preached at Slab- 
town, where I was cordially received by the Methodist 
minister, and kindly entertained at the residence of 
John Cadwell. 

On "Wednesday, August 21st, Eli ISTorthrup, a con- 
vert, met me at Blood's and conveyed me to my eve- 
ning appointment at Pviker Hollow. The next day he 
took me to Naples. While on our way he said that 
the day before, when we crossed the river, he felt it 
his duty to be baptized. I asked him why he did not 
tell the chariot to stand still, while he obeyed the 
Master. He said he was in hopes I would remain 



4-16 



AUTOBIOGKAPHY OF 



over Sunday and administer the ordinance. A previ- 
ous engagement prevented my doing tliis. He then 
said : " I now v^ant you to baptize me before we get to 
Naples." We called at Bro. Blodgett's, near where 
there was much water ; and in the presence of a few 
spectators, we went down into the water, and when we 
came up out of the water Eli went on his way rejoic- 



On Friday I went to Lawrence, Pa., where I enjoyed 
a good meeting with Elder Kinney. On Sunday we 
went to the river where I baptized Bro. Storkes and 
his wife. The following Monday I went to Wellsboro 
to attend court as a witness, and remained until Sat- 
urday. Although I was never at this place before, I 
met brethren with whom I had associated in other 
days. I gave two discourses at the Christian Church 
in Charleston near by, I could not now reach my ap- 
pointments in Chautauqua county, so I went home, and 
preached at Merchantville on Sunday. 

I then went to Garland, Pa., to visit Elder B. Mason, 
and went with him to Fairview to attend the Erie Con- 
ference, where I did a fair business for the Association. 

On Friday, the 13th, I mot Elder E. E. Wade, at 
Dunkirk. He had come to look over my work and 
settle with me, that he might make his report to the 
Association, at its annual meeting the last Wednesday 
in the month, at which time his term of office expired. 
The settlement was made in a business and christian 



0. p. ALDEEMAX. 44:7 

like manner, and I had the pleasure of knowinp; that I 
had not run the institution in debt. While Elder 
Wade was with me, we held two general meetings, 
one at Arkwright, the other at Ellington ; also attended 
a pic-nic at Fluvanna, and heard Roscoe Gonklin deliver 
a political speech at Jamestown, and enjoyed a good 
time. 

I attended a Two Days' Meeting on the 19th and 
20th of October, with Elder Totman, at Pleasant Val- 
ley. On Monday I visited Milo Ames, who was at his 
father's house sick, without any prospects of recovery. 
He had been a professor of religion but said during his 
trials he had been too unmindful of his Saviour. I 
gave him the best instruction I could, and prayed with 
him, and on Sunday, November 17th, I preached his 
funeral sermon. 

About the time I closed my labor for the State As- 
sociation, I received a letter from J. P. Watson, Sec- 
retary of the American Christian Church Extension 
Society, asking me to take the field as a Missionary 
Agent. I had just written him my terms, when I re- 
ceived a letter from Cyrus Barber, President of Starkey 
Seminary, asking me to become their soliciting agent 
again. 

My choice was to work for the Seminary, but Bro, 
Watson wrote me that my proposition was accepted 
and wished me to commence at once. I held a series 
of meetings on the hill, four miles, west of Cherry 



448 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 



Creek Village, where sixteen made a start in the good 
cause. 

On Friday, November 22d, I went to Machias to 
hold a series of meeting with Elder J. M. Field. I 
remained there until the 4th of December. 

On the fifth, I went to Castile on my way home, and 
spent several days at Merchantville ; married one 
couple while there, and returned to Machias on the 12th, 
and remained there until the 28th. It was a stormy, 
tedious time, but amidst the clouds and storm there were 
some bright spots to cheer the mind, and a few who 
forsook the error of their ways and turned to the Lord. 

I enjoyed a merry Christmas at the home of Elder 
Field. His entire family were there, and it was an 
interesting time. The Elder went with me to such 
places as we could reach, aiding me in collecting funds 
for the Extension Society. He was a very ambitious, 
persevering man, and decided we would go onto a cer- 
tain hill, if he had to drive his horse through the snow 
forty feet deep, but when he got where it was not more 
than ten he backed out and went home. 

I then went to Allegany and the Five Miles, where 
the friends did nobly for the Extension Society. 
When I called at Olean, Bro. Shaw was ready with his 
ten dollars to become a life member. I then went to 
Deacon Brainard's in Ellington, and thus ended the 
year 1872. 



CHAPTER XXXIL 

January 1st, 1873, I went with Deacon Brainard 
and his wife to S. H. Carr's, where we met a party of 
friends and enjoyed a good New Year's visit. The 
next day Carr started with me to Briggs'. The snow 
was so deep we had to go the last half mile on foot. 
The next morning Briggs took me through the drifts 
to see Eice, who took me to Cassadaga, where I took 
dinner with Elder Totman, who took me to Fellowship 
Meeting at Delanti ; then Wm. Wood took me to Na- 
than Lee's, at Pleasant Valley ; then he took me to 
his son Albert's at Owltown, and he took me to the 
residence of Lewis Ellis at Sinclairville ; then I took 
a notion that I would not be took any further that day. 

On the 9th, I visited Elder Beach, at Naples, and 
the next day went with him to Ira Polmanteer's, where 
there was a donation for Beach. On the evening of 
January 18th, I commenced a series of meetings at 
Charleston, Pa. February 1st, Brother E. Hart went 
with me to Lawrence, Avhere Elder Kinney was pastor, 
to enjoy a Fellowship Meeting. At the appointed time 
the people asseml^led, but as their pastor had not yet 
arrived, I was invited to take charge of the meeting. 
Soon Bro. Kinney came in, as smiling and pleasant as 
in other davs, but I could see that time was makinor 



450 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

its mark upon him. But when he talked of those 
things pertaining to the kingdom, he appeared as 
bony ant as in former days. We returned to Charles- 
ton in the evening. 

Febiuary 10th, I started for home, to spend a few 
days with my family, and attend Elder Leonardson's 
donation. I called at Lawrence, where my daughter 
Emma was teaching a class in music. She said if I 
would remain until morning she would accompany me 
home, and make a short visit too. Of course I waited. 
We enjoyed our visit and then returned to our places 
of labor in Pennsylvania. 

On the evening of Feb. 25th, the friends met at the 
residence of G-eorge Chrisnot, and made me a liberal 
donation. 

Sunday, March 2d, I closed the meeting at Charles- 
ton, and agreed to return the fourth of April and bap- 
tize the converts. I preached morning and evening at 
the church, and at the County House at half past 
two, P. M, 

On the evening of the 8th, I was with Elder Wm. 
Hornbaker at Eoss, Luzerne County, Pa., where they 
had been waiting for me all winter. Sunday, I preached 
at the old Eoss Church in the morning, at the Marsh 
in the afternoon, and at the Center in the evening. 

On Monday we went to Lake and commenced a series 
of meetings, and continued until the 26th. I found, 
some good, earnest, working brethren at this place, but 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 451 

we had such a muddy, snowy, windy, and stormy time, 
that we had but little opportunity to work in public 
capacity. Elder Hornbaker, the pastor, who lived at 
Ross, about eight miles distant, met with us but a few 
times, but we enjoyed a good and profitable meeting. 

I returned to Ross on the 26th, and preached there 
nearly every evening until the second of April inclu- 
sive. The churches at Ross and Lake became perpet- 
ual members of the Extension Society, and I obtained 
in that section sixteen life members. 

The churches at Naples, Merchantville, Arkwright, 
Delanti, and Lawrence also became perpetual members. 

On the fourth of April, I was at Charleston again. 
The people were anxious I should remain with them 
through the summer, and said they would pay me as 
much as I was getting from the Extension Society. 
To this I consented by their agreeing to let nie attend 
the Conferences and such other meetings as I thought 
proper, providing I would not be absent more than 
half the time, I had already five appointments for 
Two Days' Meetings in Cataraugus and Chautauqua 
counties, called Extension Meetings. Thus my time 
was engaged until about the middle of May, when I 
returned again to Charleston. After morning service 
on the 18th, I baptized four in a stream near by. 

On the 22d of May I attended the New Jersey Con- 
ference, held at Milford, where Elder Beck was pastor. 
Elder J. C. Soule gave the annual address and opened 



452 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



the way very nicely for me to present business. Elder 
I. C. Goff preached in the evening. On Saturday, 
after sparring about an hour, the Conference became a 
perpetual member of the Extension • Society, and paid 
the sum required, $25. Others made donations to the 
Institution ; —George Zellar gave $25, and others 
smaller amounts. I gave a discourse at three, p. m., 
and Prof. Ingalsbe preached in the evening. On Sun- 
day, A. Craig, D, D,, preached in the morning,— we 
enjoyed the Bible School in the afternoon, and the 
Eev. John "Willson preached in the evening. 

While in New Jersey, I visited Frenchtown, Carvers- 
ville, and some other places, and found many pleasing ac- 
quaintances. After the meeting had closed and we were 
about to separate, I saw the robust form of Elder W. H. 
Pittman at a window of the car, and as he extended 
his hand,' he said : ^' God bless you, brother ; keep Ex- 
tension on the brain and you will do well enough." 

Prof. Ingalsbe was on the train with me, and I en- 
joyed his company full better than usual, from the 
fact that he had a good lunch, sufficient for us both a 
good dinner. At Moscow, Elder Black met me and 
took me to Madisonville and Chapmantown, where I 
spent a few days with my friends, and then returned to 
Charleston in time to fill my appointments there. 

On Thursday, June 5th, I attended the Tioga Pviver 
Conference at Trumbull's Corners, N. Y. This Con- 
ference became a member of the Extension Society. 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 453 

June 12th, I attended the New York Central Con- 
ference at Westbury. The annual address was deliv- 
ered by Elder John Guthrie. I preached once at this 
session, and assisted in the ordination of Prof. Ingalsbe. 
There were $25 raised at this Conference for the benefit 
of the Extension Society. On the following Monday, 
in company with Elder Leonardson and Ingalsbe, I vis- 
ited Sodus Point, where we enjoyed a few pleasant 
hours and saw some large fish. I then went to Gates, 
and called on Dan. Edson. 

The following day I went, in company with L. M. 
Wooden, Esq., and wife, Emons Edson and wife, Lillie 
Edson, Helen Alderman and Alice Alderman, to Char- 
lotte, out about seven miles from the city of Eochester, 
where there is much of interest. I also visited the 
grave of Fanny Edson, my niece. 

On the night of the 18th, I stayed with Elder J. D. 
Child, at Shelby, and the following day he took me to 
Clarenden, where I stopped with Elder Langdon Hood, 
to remain through the annual session of the New York 
Western Conference. Elder D. W. Moore gave the 
annual address, which was well timed, and his recom- 
mendations were excellent. This Conference voted at 
once to become a member of the Extension Society. 
On Sunday the preaching was done by Elder J. D. 
Child, Thomas Holmes, President of Union Christian 
College, and G. H. Hebbard. 

I then returned to Charleston, and remained in that 



454 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



vicinity until the 22d day of July. On the 29th of 
June, I married Mr. Theodore Johnson and Miss Alice 
Bellenger, at the residence of John Bellenger, the 
bride's father. 

On the 26th and 27th of July, I attended a Quar- 
terly Meeting at Merchantville, where Bro. J. H. Carr 
was pastor. On the 7th of August I went to Blood's, 
and in the afternoon, with Willett Biker and his sister 
Kate, I started for Eiker Hollow to attend a pic-nic. 
Willett did the driving, and Kate and myself occupied 
the back seat. When about two miles from the Hol- 
low the horses sprang suddenly, and Kate and myself 
went with the seat over on to the ground. I was 
senseless for more than an hour. The first I realized 
I was in a strange room, nicely bolstered up in a large 
chair, a lady standing before me with a fan in her 
hand. All in the room were as strangers except Kate, 
it seemed to me that I had seen her before. My mind 
soon rallied so that I had some idea of my where- 
abouts, and what I was intending to do. We then went 
on our way, but before we arrived the exercises were 
closed. I went to Blood's and took the evening train 
and went to Wellsboro. Bro. E. Hart stepped on the 
train at Lawrenceville. The next morning I was 
hardly able to get up from the bed, and it was several 
days before I felt like myself again. 

On the 19th I attended a pic-nic at Charleston^ and 
the next day I attended one at Lawrence. 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 455 

On my way to attend the Erie Conference, at Con- 
neaut, Ohio, I arrived at a Junction just as the day 
was closing, where I had to change cars and remain 
over night. I was directed to a place they called a 
Hotel, where there was drinking, gambling, and pro- 
fanity in abundance. I could once have got along with 
all this, but now it seemed awful to me. I was shown 
my room, which was almost anything but desirable. 
There were two beds, such as they were, in the room, 
but no lock or bolt upon the door. I asked if any one 
would occupy the room with me; the answer was, " I 
think not." I made an effort to fasten the door but 
could not. I then placed my carpet bag against it and 
went to bed, but it was a very uncomfortable place for 
me. I would have left, but knew not where to go. 
By and by the door was pushed open, and in came 
the landlord and some one with him, and said that an- 
other traveler had called to stay till morning. This 
for a moment was a satisfaction to n^, as I thought it 
might prevent other callers at a later hour. But soon 
I was fearful again. I asked the stranger a few ques- 
tions, and his answers were such that I feared he was 
not all right. I judged from his complexion and fea- 
tures that he was an Indian. I ask him if he could 
give me the time. He drew a watch from his pocket 
announced the time. He took some provisions from 
his satchel and began to eat, and then asked if there 
was any water in the room. I told him I knew of 



456 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



none ; lie then took the light and went down stairs, 
and soon returned with a pitcher of water and a tum- 
bler, and offered me a drink. He finished his meal, and 
was soon in a sound slumber. I then concluded that 
there was nothing ugly or malicious about the fellow, 
but that he had been on '' a drunk," missed his way, 
and did not like to tell his real residence. 

On our arrival at Conneaut, the friends met us at 
the station. Bro. Marion said that I was to go with 
him, and that he had sent for the large fish. Elder P. 
Zeigler gave the annual address in the afternoon, and 
S. H. Morse preached in the evening. On Saturday 
B. Mason preached in the morning, J. M. Field in the 
afternoon, and IST. Summerbell in the evening. On 
Sunday I preached at South Eidge, in the Baptist 
house in the morning, and in the Methodist h®use at 
Amboy in the afternoon. On Monday their business 
was transacted with their usual dispatch and harmony. 
0. P. preached dJb the Christian Church in the eve- 
ning. On Tuesday morning just before breakfast, 
when the guests were in the room, Bro-. Marion arose 
and made some remarks about the pleasant time we 
had enjoyed together, — that some brother had led in 
prayer each morning, and now, as we were about to 
separate, he desired that each brother present should 
offer prayer. This being done we enjoyed our break- 
fast, and then took our departure. 

On Friday, Sept. 12th, I was at Charleston again, 



0. p. ALDERMAN. 457 

and continued preacliing there and at the Dart Settle- 
ment, until the 22d. On the 25th I attended the 
State Association at Newark, N. Y., and on my return 
I preached at Naples, Riker Hollow, and Lawrence. 
While in the vicinity of Charleston, I preached at 
Cherry Flats, the Eound Top, and Brewster School 
House. At the latter place, in company with Bro. M. 
Yale, we witnessed quite a good revival. November 
7th, the friends at Charleston met at the residence of 
Thos. A. Robinson, who superintends the County 
House, and made me a donation. On Sunday, the 9th,' 
I closed my labors with the church at Charleston, and 
the following day went home. On the 12th of Novem- 
ber I went to Cameron, where Bro. J. H. Carr was 
holding some meetings, and helped him about a w^eek, 
and enjoyed a good time. I then went to Troupsburg, 
and spent a few days with Bro. A. B Eigby, and w^ent 
with him to a Quarterly Conference at Jasper, and 
went to Greenwood and preached for Elder J. H. 
Cheeseman. I then went to Howard, and spent a few 
days, and the first day of December, I was at Elder 
Hornbaker's in Eoss, Pa,, for the purpose of finishing 
up the meetings there and at Lake, which I commenced 
last March. Bi-o. H. was anxious, and full of zeal as 
usual. We commenced a series of meetings at Eoss, 
and were quite successful. Converts were multiplied. 
On the 25th, Christmas day, by special request, I went 
with Bro. Samuel Edwards, to Huntington, a distance 



458 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 



of twelve miles, to visit a sick man who felt that he 
was going into eternity without a well grounded 
hope of a blessed immortality beyond the grave. We 
enjoyed an excellent visit, the family treated us with 
great kindness ; we gave the sick man the best ad- 
vice we could, prayed with him, and then returned 
to Eoss in time to attend the donation, which was held 
at the meeting house, for the benefit of Elder Horn- 
baker. The house was well filled, all seemed to enjoy 
themselves well, and donated to the amount of $125. 
The following day the house was put in order, and we 
enjoyed service there in the evening. The donation 
did not seem to impede the interest of the meeting at 
all, but seemingly gave it a new impetus. 

On Monday, the 28th, Bro. Frank Allen tool?: me to 
Lake, where I commenced a series of meetings with 
good success. There was a glorious revival going on 
at Eoss, and the work at Lake starting finely. 

And now, kind reader, I take my leave of you while 
in the midst of a good revival, and surrounded by 
warm hearted friends. 



ADDEESS 



My Deae YouNa Feiends : 

In closing this work with an address to those who 
are young and hopeful, seeking for comfort and happi- 
ness in this world, where there are so many snares to 
entangle them, so many pits into which they may fall, 
so many delusive charms to flatter, and so many deadly 
poisons to destroy the comfort of this life, and shut 
against them the door which opens into a world of 
peaceful joy ; I can only wish that I was capable of 
presenting to them the dangers to which they are ex- 
posed, and also, of presenting such truths as would 
lead the steps of the young into the paths of wisdom, 
whose ways are ways of pleasantness, and lead to 
honor, goodness and everlasting life. 

When we see the young man in the gutter, the pris- 
oner in the court, the thief in jail, the felon in the 
State's prison, the prostitute in the lock-up, the mur- 
derer on the scaffold, the dying man with the cold 
sweat upon his brow and in agony of soul because he 
has no hope beyond the dark tomb, we are ready to 
ask in the language of sorrow, why all this wretched- 
ness. Could we trace the lives of those unhappy ones 
through their youthful years, the days of their inno- 
cency, before they had become polluted with sin, we 



460 



ADDEESS. 



could easily see how they had been led astray, step by 
step, until sin had woven the net work about them 
which holds them in its dark mazes. Yv^hen the little 
fellow begins to play '^ pin " with his associates, and 
wins or losses in this trifling game, he would shudder 
at the thought of ever becoming a gambler. When 
the child, in the absence of its mother, takes the sugar 
from the bowl, or the sweetmeats from the jar, it has 
not the least idea that it will ever be a thief. When the 
lad takes the first sip of liquor with his friend, he 
would scorn the thought of ever becoming a drunkard. 
When the young man becomes enraged and fights his 
fellow, he would tremble at the thought of being a 
murderer. When the young lady begins to associate 
with the immoral and vicious, she would faint at the 
thought of ever becoming a prostitute. But when we 
see the gambler, the thief, the drunkard, the murderer, 
and the prostitute, suffering the misery w^hich their 
indulgence has brought upon them, is it not an easy 
matter for them, or others to see how that, step by 
step, they have gone astray, until they are ruined for 
this world and the world to come. 

" Vice is a monster of such frightful mien 
As, to be li; ted, needs but to be seen; 
But seen too oft, familiar with its face, 
We first endure, then pity, then embrace." 



The young mind desires, and should enjoy amuse- 



ADDRESS. 461 

ment and recreation, but not in a manner to destroy 
its comfort or happiness. 

The lad may be fond of honey and have a great de- 
sire to obtain it, but if he rushes hastily into a bumble- 
bee's nest, or into a hive of honey-bees, he will doubt- 
less pay dearly for all the honey he gets. 

There is a course for him to pursue by which he 
may obtain the desired object, and at the same time 
not be guilty of any wrong. Obey the commands of 
God, and seek first the Kingdom of Heaven, and all 
these things which we ought to enjoy, will be added. 

"When children know good from evil, and have the 
facilities for doing right and wrong, they then step 
into the great arena of human life, and begin to form 
those characters which are to govern them in future 
life. To say that the child is filled with wickedness, 
ripe for destruction, a poor little, helpless, totally de- 
praved, God-forsaken and Hell -deserving creature, is 
taking the extreme bad view of the case. To say the 
little fellow is pure, happy, holy, and righteous, and 
deserves the Kingdom of Heaven, is taking the extreme 
good view of the case. Let us look between these two 
extremes for the truth. One mother may look upon 
her child as an ugly, wicked creature, and say she can 
see the works of the old man of sin exhibit themselves 
in the child, because it cries, and strikes at those who 
are near. Another mother looks upon her child as a 
little saint because it is so pleasant, so calm, and sleeps 



462 



ADDRESS. 



SO sweetly. These phenomena may appear in the same 
child at different times, but do not prove it to be a 
saint or a sinner. When the child is in pain it cries ; 
when it strikes at its supposed enemy it displays the 
first law of its nature — self-defence. TVhen the pain 
has ceased, and the fear passed away, then the child 
appears calm, pleasant and sleeps sweetly. 

The child before actual transgression, is in a state of 
innocency. If it does wrong it will become wicked ; 
if it does right it will become righteous. This life is 
man's state of probation. Here we decide our future 
destiny, and this is frequently done in our youthful 
days. These are facts that should be remembered by 
the young, as they commence the duties of life. The 
character is generally formed in youth ; indeed, I dare 
not say there is a single exception. It is generally 
conceded by men of experience, that the man is mould- 
ed, and the bent of his character given, in the days of 
his youth. There are cases, it is true, where the young 
man is highly respected in the community until he is 
twenty-five years of age, and then he may become cor- 
rupted and debased ; but if we could closely examine 
his former life we would doubtless find that the founda- 
tion of a vicious character was laid in his youthful 
days. Hear what men have said upon the scaffold, 
when the rope was around their neck, and they about 
to swing off into the dark future. They have stated 
that the basis of their crime was laid in their youthful 



ADDEESS. 463 

dayS; but as their associates were virtuous, tlieir vicious 
character was not developed, but pent up in the bosom 
like the fires of a volcano. When their associations 
had changed and there was less desire to keep the favor 
of society, these passions have burst forth, like the 
fires of heated Vesuvius, in streams of moral destruc- 
tion through our land. Then let us look for a moment 
at those who were vicious in younger life, whose youth 
was stained with crime ; but their associations have 
changed, and they have become useful members of so- 
ciety. Is it not true that some circumstance in child- 
hood made an impression on the mind that years of 
crime could not blot from the memory ? Look at 
Napoleon Bonaparte, His character was formed in his 
youth by his ambitious friends teaching him that the 
time was coming when he would be a great conqueror. 
They formed mimic armies and set him at the head of 
them, thus giving him a love of conquest and fixing 
his future destiny. Had his training been different, 
instead of going like a scourge through the continent 
of Europe, he might have been one of the greatest 
reformers of the age. It is said that Hume was once 
a conscientious believer in the Bible, but in debate, for 
the sake of controversy, he was induced to present the 
arguments of the infidel. He studied long and close 
that he might gain the argument and ere he was aware, 
had embraced their notions, and his whole life bore 
the de^rmed and unsightly image of infidelity. 



464 



ADDRESS. 



It is said of Voltaire, one of the most brilliant writers 
of his age, that when five years old he committed to 
memory an infidel poem, and was never able after that 
to undo its pernicious influence upon his mind. He 
lived and died a corrupter of the world, and doubtless 
thousands who have been ruined by him, will bewail 
his memory. Those men might have been very useful 
if their early impressions had been correct. 

Never imagine that it is best to live in sin and be- 
come noted as one who excels in fun, in rioting or in 
mischief of any kind, thinking that, bye and bye, you 
will become pious, and then will be more useful than 
you would have been if you had not been so great a 
sinner. This is a delusion of the enemy. It is not 
necessary to be sinful that we may be useful, I can- 
not tell the number who have thus thought that have 
died without becoming pious. You run a great risk 
by pursuing this course, and the supposition that it 
will be a satisfaction to remember that you have ex- 
celled in wickedness, you will find to be a mistake. In 
an hour when you cannot recall the past, you may 
think of those wicked scenes with sorrow ; you may 
mourn over them, but neither your grief nor tears can 
recall your misspent time. However useful you may 
become, that portion of your time which was spent in 
sin and folly will be worse than a blank in the history 
of your life. It is true there are some who oppose the 
cause of truth, and go so far as to glory in that shame, 



Ai 



ADDRESS. 465 

that. finally embrace religion and become useful, but 
tlieir number is comparatively few. Saul of Tarsus 
ceased to be an enemy of Christ and became his true 
friend, but he was only one among a large number, 
and he was caused to fall by an unseen hand before 
his hard and impenitent heart yielded to the mandate 
of the skies. 

We are not to expect such miraculous power in this, 
our day. The principles of Christianity are now es- 
tablished, and all are invited to become the followers 
of the Lamb and heirs of Heaven ; and the best thing 
that you can do in early hfe, is to cultivate a reflective 
mind, and always shun the path of evil, and cleave to 
that which is good. As you advance in life and grow 
up to fill some useful station, there is nothing that will 
give you a better recommend than a good honest 
name. 

If you wish to engage as a clerk, your employer would 
want some assurance of your honesty. If you should 
become a telegraph operator it would be necessary that 
you be honest and attentive in your business, lor many 
hves might be lost by your heedlessness. If you 
should feel it your duty to become a Minister of the 
Gospel how necessary that you be deeply pious. Youth 
is the time to lay the foundation for future useful- 
ness. 

The Saviour said : " Come unto me all ye that are 
weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest,'' And 



466 ADDEESS. 

these promises are especially to the young. Those 
who seek early shall find. Then serve the Lord Jesus, 
obey him, follow in his footsteps, and it will lead you 
to the Saints* Eternal Home. 



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